Gang running Blackpool drug line jailed for over 103 years
The group orchestrated a sophisticated network, controlling the drug supply from behind bars
A man who ran a major drugs operation from prison, along with 14 other individuals who worked for him, has been sentenced to a total of more than 103 years.
The operation, which ran between February 2023 and July 2024, was uncovered when Adam Garnett, a serving prisoner, had multiple mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers discovered during a cell search. The investigation revealed that Garnett had orchestrated a sophisticated network, controlling the drug supply from behind bars.
Garnett's second-in-command—Dalbir Sandhu, Shannon Hilton, and Jason Gerrand—were identified as key players in the operation, with large quantities of heroin, crack cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis being seized during raids of their homes. Police also uncovered evidence linking the group to numerous phones, cash, and drugs, which were forensically matched to the suspects.
One of the most striking pieces of evidence was a series of videos found on Shannon Hilton’s phone, which showed her communicating with Garnett, teaching her pet parrot to repeat drug-related phrases, and even playing with money that was allegedly earned through their illegal activities.
Despite Garnett’s efforts to hide his identity and location, detectives were able to trace his involvement. They found that he regularly communicated with his gang members using encrypted devices and even went to great lengths to hide evidence from the police.
Additionally, police discovered that Gareth Burgess had a video on his phone that showed him rapping about his criminal activities while walking through Blackpool carrying a large sum of cash.
In total, 15 people were arrested, and following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, charged with offences. They all pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court.
Adam Garnett, 35, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 19 years and six months, which he will have to serve consecutive to his existing 15 year prison term.
Shannon Hilton, 29, of no fixed abode was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs. She was sentenced to 12 years.
Dalbir Sandhu, 41, of Chesterfield Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to 10 years .
Jason Gerrand, 50, of no fixed abode, was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs . He was sentenced to eight years and three months.
Gareth Burgess, 45, of Clayton Crescent, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to seven years and seven months.
Dean Baker, 33, of Norfolk Avenue, Thornton Cleveleys, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to seven years and four months.
Thomas Bird, 31, of Bolton Street, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs. He was sentenced to eight years 9 months for the conspiracy with an additional 6 months for activating a suspended sentence totalling nine years and three months.
Chloe Stott, 24, of Langdale Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. She failed to appear at court for sentencing but was sentenced to seven years and seven months in her absence. A warrant is now out for her arrest.
Jack Faryniarz, 22, of Dickson Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and burglary. He was sentenced to eight years and nine months.
William Ogden, 21, of Spencer Court, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply. He was sentenced to eight years.
Ryan Black, 27, of Jameson Street, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He failed to appear for sentencing, but was sentenced to five years in his absence, and a warrant is now out for his arrest.
Rachel Johnson, 34, of Brock Avenue, Fleetwood, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. She pleaded Guilty to assisting an OCG and was sentenced to 15 months suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
Jamie Robinson, 22, of Airdrie Place, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs. He pleaded Guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years. He will also have to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
Jadene Grady, 26, of Onslow Road, Blackpool, was charged with two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug. She pleaded Guilty to assisting an OCG at Preston crown court, and was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for 12 months and will have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work.
DS Anthony Alves of our West Targeted Crime Team said: “These people ran a sophisticated operation to supply class A drugs across Blackpool.
“Garnett continued to run his operation whilst in prison, communicating with the members of his organised crime gang through illegal methods.
“I welcome the sentences handed down today following the lengthy and complex investigation. I want to thank my team, the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution barristers Sarah Magill and Holly Nelson for their work in bringing these people to justice.
“Enquiries are ongoing to locate Chloe Stott and Ryan Black, who both failed to appear at court today. If you see them, or know where they may be, I would encourage you to let us know.
“We will continue to dismantle these gangs, whether they are operating behind bars or otherwise.”
The county lines operation, led by Garnett, was responsible for trafficking drugs across Blackpool, exploiting vulnerable individuals as runners and pushing Class A drugs onto the streets.
County Lines operations are known for their use of violence, coercion, and exploitation, often targeting young people and the vulnerable.