A Salford -based criminal gang led a significant operation transporting drugs into Warrington, a court has heard. Keelan Emery, 22, of Nassau Drive in Swinton, and Mason Clemonds, 19, of Bank Lane in Salford, were arrested in August as part of Cheshire Constabulary’s Operation Spartans - a crackdown on organised crime groups in the area.
They have both pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. READ MORE: Serial shoplifter caused chaos in Poundstretcher rampage A further 14 people already pleaded guilty to similar charges prior to the trial.
Outlining the case at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday morning (February 15), prosecutor Henry Riding told a jury of 12 that Emery and Clemonds are accused of supplying drugs as part of the ‘Longhaired Luke’ group between January 2 to July 1, 2021.
The group is thought to have acted primarily through ‘graft’ phones and using the homes of drug addicts as safehouses. Flare messages - often sent out to up to 90 drug users at any one time - would advertise the selling of drugs in the Warrington area.
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