Eight sentenced over multi-million pound drug conspiracy based in Lancashire
Organised crime group dismantled after investigation reveals supply network across the UK
Last updated 5th Dec 2025
Eight members of an organised crime group based in Lancashire have been sentenced for their roles in supplying Class A and B drugs across the UK.
The members were convicted as part of Operation Acropolis, a detailed investigation led by the North West Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
The group, coordinated by Jack Donegan, operated a large-scale network distributing cocaine and ketamine throughout the North West of England and beyond, reaching as far as Derby, London, and Great Yarmouth.
Investigators revealed the group’s sale of more than 800 kilograms of Class A drugs, generating profits of over £26 million. Donegan managed the operation with a network of trusted couriers transporting drugs nationwide, while other members stored, managed, and distributed the substances.
Police uncovered evidence of the group's activities through a detailed investigation that included the seizure of drugs, money, and incriminating messages. Among the findings was a drug ledger recovered from Donegan’s phone, as well as cash totalling £300,000 from Stephen Joel-Craven’s home alongside a counting machine.
Detectives also intercepted couriers such as Nathan O’Hare, who was apprehended with 12 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a blue box during an arrest at Knutsford Services on 30th May 2024.
Sentencing took place today, 5th December 2025.
Donegan, aged 29 and of Briers Close, Warrington, was jailed for 15 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
Other sentences handed down today include:
- Philip Moores, 56, of Fawcett, Skelmersdale, jailed for 12 years (conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs)
- Stephen Joel-Craven, 42, of Kingsbury Court, Skelmersdale, jailed for eight years and eight months (participating in the activities of an organised crime group and possession of criminal property)
- Kevin Gaskell, 43, of Castlehey, Skelmersdale, jailed for 10 years (conspiracy to supply Class A drugs)
- Keith Rowlands, 58, of Maes, Gwynedd, Caenarfon, jailed for nine years and six months (conspiracy to supply Class A drugs)
- Daniel Stawarczyk, 36, from Freshpool Way, Manchester, jailed for six years (conspiracy to supply Class A drugs)
- Saskia Steward, 26, of Briers Close, Warrington, sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years (participating in the activities of an organised crime group)
- Robert Howarth, 45, of Tulip Avenue, Haydock, jailed for eight years (conspiracy to supply Class A drugs)
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild from NWROCU said:
“This was a meticulous and far-reaching investigation that has dismantled one of the most significant organised crime groups operating in the North West and beyond.
“The scale of this conspiracy was staggering - hundreds of kilograms of Class A drugs were moved across the country, generating tens of millions of pounds in criminal profit, while causing misery in the communities where these drugs were sold.
“The sentences handed down today reflect the seriousness of these crimes and send a clear message - organised crime groups who profit from the misery of others will be relentlessly pursued, dismantled, and brought before the courts.
“Our teams worked tirelessly to uncover the full extent of this network, from the couriers on the road to the money men counting cash, and the leaders orchestrating supply.”
Eight further members of the group are yet to be sentenced. A date for their court appearance has not yet been set.