Members of a drugs’ gang from Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey accused of bringing ten kilos of cocaine worth up to £2 million from Liverpool into North Wales have been jailed.

Kenneth Hillier, aged 37, of Hollins Close, Liverpool, who had a leading role, received twelve years and nine months.

Luke Evans, aged 28, of Bryn Peris, Waunfawr, Gwynedd, who Caernarfon crown court heard ran the North Wales-end of the drug dealing operation which also involved cannabis, was jailed for 13 years and three months.

Charges of conspiracy to supply drugs were admitted.

The gang had used EncroChat phones to try to hide their activities.

But a police operation caught them.

North Wales Pioneer: Pictured clockwise: Claire Hughes, Lee Dever, Michael Currey, Kenneth Hillier, Luke Smith, Nathan Roberts, Ian Cogley, Ian Hughes. Pictures: North Wales Police Pictured clockwise: Claire Hughes, Lee Dever, Michael Currey, Kenneth Hillier, Luke Smith, Nathan Roberts, Ian Cogley, Ian Hughes. Pictures: North Wales Police

Judge Nicola Saffman said: "These are evil drugs that cause mayhem, misery and havoc. People are killed by these drugs.”

Michael Currey, aged 47, of Haslington Grove, Halewood, Merseyside, was jailed for six years and nine months. Lee Dever, 47, of Penman Crescent, Halewood, received nine years.

Ian Cogley, aged 38, of Radway Road, Huyton, Merseyside, was jailed for six years and eight months.

Other defendants from North Wales who were sent to prison for their roles in the plot were Joshua Royds, 26, of Bryn Teg, Beaumaris, jailed for six years and eight months, Molly Bailey, 24, of Grove Road, Colwyn Bay, sentenced to five years and seven months, and single mum Rebecca Williams, 25, of Grove Park, Colwyn Bay, jailed for six years.

James Morgan, 38, of Ffordd Maes Barcer, Caernarfon, was locked up for six years.

The remainder of the 14 accused received suspended sentences.

Det Insp Dean Jones said: “The sentences send a clear message that we will not tolerate drug dealing in our communities. We are committed to working, along with other agencies, to stay one step ahead of these criminals and we will relentlessly pursue anyone who breaks the law and exploits vulnerable people for their own gain.

“This result is not only testament to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved, but also to the support we receive from the public who assist greatly in tackling this crime that has such a detrimental effect on people’s lives.

“This successful operation is just part of the ongoing investigations being undertaken and should serve as a warning of the consequences to anyone who is involved in such crime.

“We will continue to strive to make North Wales the safest place to live in the UK.”