Head of drugs line jailed after police crackdown on Blackburn dealers
The investigation began in November last year when officers spotted a suspicious blue Ford Focus
A drug gang responsible for supplying Class A drugs across Blackburn has been dismantled after a police investigation exposed the men behind the so-called “Yanky” drugs line.
Jordan Russell, who led the operation, was jailed last week for 44 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
His accomplices, David Watson and Brendan Queen, were also brought before the courts, Watson receiving a 33-month prison sentence, and Queen a 21-month suspended sentence for his involvement.
The investigation began in November last year when officers spotted Watson and Queen in a blue Ford Focus that was neither registered nor insured to them.
When officers in unmarked vehicles attempted to stop the car, Watson reversed and rammed a police vehicle before both men fled on foot.
During the pursuit, Queen attempted to discard a quantity of drugs, but officers recovered 61 wraps of crack cocaine from the car and both men were arrested.
Further enquiries revealed that Watson and Queen were working as part of the Yanky drugs line, a local network distributing heroin and crack cocaine across the area.
In March 2024, Watson was again spotted by officers dealing drugs in the Galligreaves area.
When stopped, he was found in possession of heroin, crack cocaine, a knife, and a Nokia mobile phone linked to bulk drug advertising messages.
Detectives traced the operation back to Jordan Russell, who was coordinating runners, transport, and drug supply across East Lancashire.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, all three men were charged and later pleaded guilty to their respective offences.
- Jordan Russell, 26, of no fixed address – two counts of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. Sentenced to 44 months in prison
- David Watson, 52, of Town View, Blackburn – two counts of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, dangerous driving, and possession of a knife. Sentenced to 33 months in prison
- Brendan Queen, 30, of Whitefield Street, Hapton – two counts of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and one count of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug. Sentenced to 21 months, suspended for 24 months
Detective Sergeant Stu Peall, from the East Exploitation Team, said: “Jordan Russell led a drugs line that supplied drugs to vulnerable people in East Lancashire.
“This type of criminality will not be tolerated in Lancashire, and although it isn’t my place to comment on the sentence handed down, I hope it will offer some reassurance to the public that we absolutely do take this seriously and are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
Police say the operation forms part of Lancashire Constabulary’s ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug networks and protect communities from exploitation and harm.