A drugs gang leader has been branded a "cruel bully" who "threw his family under a bus" by a sentencing judge, as he and his associates received prison terms totalling nearly fifty years for conspiring to flood North Wales with cocaine.
Shambolic Operation Uncovered by Police Surveillance
Lee Rigby, 42, from Sandycroft, presented himself as a legitimate businessman while secretly orchestrating a drug supply network that aimed to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine, ketamine, and cannabis across the region. Judge Nicola Jones at Caernarfon Crown Court described the criminal enterprise as "a shambles" rather than an organised crime gang, highlighting its chaotic nature despite its destructive impact.
North Wales Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit conducted a detailed investigation codenamed Operation Zero between December 2022 and November 2023. Officers used listening devices and extensive surveillance to gather intelligence on the gang's day-to-day activities, ultimately dismantling what detectives called an "established supply network within Flintshire."
Family Exploitation and Recruitment
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the case involved Rigby's exploitation of family members. His son Wesley, who was just 17 or 18 when recruited, participated in the operation because he "wanted to make his Dad proud," according to Judge Jones. The judge noted that Wesley had learned from his father that being "the best drug dealer he could be" was the path to approval.
Rigby also involved his half-brother Daniel Carroll, 33, of Connah's Quay, who funded the operation by providing cash to purchase drugs in return for profit. Carroll additionally used his home as a storage facility for illicit cash collected on behalf of the gang.
Gang Structure and Distribution Network
The investigation revealed a clear hierarchy within the supply chain. Rigby served as the head of operations, sourcing drugs from upstream suppliers. His trusted associate Mark Poh, 42, who lived with Rigby in Sandycroft, handled the weighing and packaging of illegal substances before distribution.
Downstream suppliers included Rigby's son Wesley, now 21, of Treuddyn, and Frank Jones, 35, from Flint, who distributed the drugs locally. Jack Harpur, 31, played a varying role, primarily using his home to store cash and supplying smaller amounts of drugs for Poh.
Sentencing and Judicial Comments
Judge Jones delivered scathing remarks during sentencing, characterising Rigby as "mean and cruel" and emphasising how he had corrupted his own son. The judge also noted Rigby's extensive criminal history, which includes eleven convictions for fifteen offences ranging from violence to motoring violations, and "somewhat bizarrely" a conviction for cockle poaching that resulted in a £3,000 fine.
Rigby received the longest sentence of sixteen years and three months for conspiring to supply class A drugs. His associate Mark Poh was jailed for fourteen years for the same offence. Other gang members received sentences ranging from five years and ten months to suspended terms with rehabilitation requirements.
Financial Gains and Lifestyle
Evidence presented in court revealed that Rigby had deposited proceeds from his criminal enterprise in bank accounts during frequent trips to Thailand. He spent his illicit gains on properties, boats, and cars, maintaining a lifestyle that belied his legitimate business facade.
Three women—Katie Williams, 35, of Connah's Quay; Claire Clegg, 43, of Shotton; and Jessica Lett, 38, from Shotton—received community orders for assisting the gang by storing money in their homes or supplying drugs. All three were ordered to complete fifteen days of rehabilitation activity.
Police Response and Community Impact
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Sidney, the senior investigating officer, stated: "Drugs ruin lives, blight communities, and bring misery to users and their families. This investigation has dismantled an established supply network within Flintshire."
He emphasised that the outcome should serve as "a strong deterrent to anyone involved in drug supply" and reaffirmed North Wales Police's commitment to tackling organised crime. DCI Sidney also appealed for continued community assistance, encouraging residents to report drug supply information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Complete Sentencing Details
The following sentences were handed down to gang members:
- Lee Rigby, 42, of Station Road, Sandycroft: 16 years, 3 months for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Mark Poh, 42, of Charter View, Sandycroft: 14 years for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Frank Jones, 35, of Rose Mount, Flint: 5 years, 10 months for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Stephen Lowe, 32, of Woodfield Avenue, Flint: 5 years, 10 months for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Adam Hill, 39, of Upper Aston Hall Lane, Hawarden: 5 years, 8 months for conspiring to supply cocaine
- Wesley Rigby, 21, of Maes Glyndwr, Treuddyn, Mold: 2-year suspended sentence for conspiring to supply class A drugs, plus 20 days rehabilitation
- Jack Harpur, 31, of Sandy Lane, Sandycroft: 2-year suspended sentence for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Daniel Carroll, 33, of Englefield Avenue, Connah's Quay: 16-month suspended sentence for money laundering offences, plus 20 days rehabilitation
The total immediate imprisonment for all defendants amounted to 47 years and five months, marking a significant victory for North Wales Police in their ongoing battle against organised drug crime in the region.
