Drug gang jailed for bringing cocaine and cannabis to York
Eight men have been given a total of 83 years, 5 months behind bars
Last updated 27th Jun 2023
A gang have been sentenced for bringing cocaine and cannabis in and around York.
Eight people have been given a total of 83 years, 5 months behind bars.
They used their legitimate building business as a front to move drugs and money between Leeds and York.
Officers say the group "acted on pure selfishness and greed".
61-year old Michael Andrew Leaf and 29-year-old James Michael Leaf both of Fairway, York were found guilty of conspiring to supply a class A drug and conspiring to produce a class B drug. Michael Leaf was sentenced to 16 years and five months imprisonment with James Leaf receiving 14 years and eight months imprisonment.
The pair were the main focus of the North Yorkshire Police's Organised Crime Unit’s investigation named Operation Wide. They used their legitimate building business as a front to organise the purchase, movement, storage and supply of cocaine and money between Leeds and York.
Appearing alongside them, four others were also handed lengthy prison sentences for their part in storing, running or dealing cocaine.
39-year-old Niki Squire of Tennyson Avenue, York received 8 years 6 month for conspiring to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
54-year-old Andrew Bailey of Kelcbar Close, Tadcaster received 7 years and one month for conspiring to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
34-year -old Michael Ross Clancy of Chapmangate, Pocklington received 7 years and one month for conspiring to supply class A drugs (cocaine)
66-year-old Gwyne Thomas Hollis of Heathcroft Crescent, Leeds was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment in his absence, for conspiring to supply class A drugs (cocaine). Hollis failed to appear at court for trial in May and remains a wanted person.
Speaking about the sentence passed against the group today, investigating officer Detective Constable Neil Borchardt said;
“The individuals involved acted on pure selfishness and greed and had absolutely no regard for the damage and misery class A drugs do to the community as a whole, and the people addicted to them. The same for Vasey and Hazel, both men thought about nothing other than lining their own pockets with their illegal activity.
“I hope the sentence handed to both Michael and James Leaf, along with Hollis, Squire, Bailey, Clancy, Vasey and Hazel sends a strong warning out to those who think they can bring drugs into York and North Yorkshire. Myself and my colleagues will work relentlessly to break down your operations and put you where you belong, behind bars.”