Joseph McCormick, a 34-year-old from Bootle, acted as a courier for a drug gang that flooded North Wales with cocaine and cannabis. He was caught with £20,000 in cash in his car after delivering cannabis to gang leader Gareth Rowlands, Mold Crown Court heard.
Gang Members Sentenced
Four gang members appeared at Mold Crown Court on July 20, 2026, following a major police operation. The gang operated on Anglesey, the North Wales coast, and the Llandudno Junction area. Gareth Rowlands, 52, of Llanfair PG, was the ringleader, bringing in large amounts of cocaine and cannabis. He funded luxury holidays, concerts, clothing, and jewellery with his profits.
Police found £85,000 in cash and gold jewellery at Rowlands' home and a linked property. Rowlands used couriers including McCormick and Steven Powell, 62, from Manchester, who had access to a caravan in Prestatyn.
Couriers and Downstream Dealers
Powell delivered cannabis to Dennis Edwards in Llandudno Junction. On his final trip, he was stopped with 2.8kg of cannabis in his vehicle, valued at over £28,000. Steven Williams, 34, of Caernarfon, was a downstream cocaine supplier. His home was searched in April 2025, revealing cocaine bagged for distribution, cash, and scales. He was arrested again later in 2025 with more cocaine and cash.
Darren Horton, 54, of Menai Bridge, was another downstream cocaine dealer. He was arrested multiple times and was “always out dealing,” causing panic among gang members. Dafydd Hughes, 31, of Y Felinheli, was a downstream cocaine supplier, and Craig Harris, 52, of Llanfair PG, supplied cannabis downstream.
Operation Details
The gang used multiple phone numbers and a routine of contact, with couriers staying briefly on Anglesey before returning along the coast. Drugs were then sent to downstream suppliers. Duncan Bould, representing Rowlands, said his client was remorseful and committed to changing his behaviour. Gurdit Singh, for Powell, cited traumatic events leading to alcohol and gambling problems. Nicola Dacey, for McCormick, noted his lack of previous convictions and full-time employment.
John Wyn Williams, for Williams, highlighted gambling addiction and anxiety. Richard Edwards, for Horton, said his client had a long-standing drug addiction. Amy Edwards, representing Hughes, said he pleaded early and dealt to fund his addiction. Acting for Harris, she described him as hardworking.
Sentencing
Judge Nichola Jones said drug dealing caused “misery” in communities, especially rural and coastal areas. She noted the case was just a “taster of the extent of what was going on.” Rowlands was sentenced to 11 years and three months for conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of criminal property. Powell received 10 years for similar charges. McCormick was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 12 months, with 200 hours unpaid work, for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, and possession of MDMA.
Hughes received two years and four months suspended for three years, with 200 hours unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Williams was sentenced to three years and two months. Horton got three years and seven months. Harris received nine months suspended for 12 months.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Tracey Llewellyn said: “These individuals have been a burden on our communities for years and have caused an untold amount of harm to many vulnerable individuals. As well as the substantial sentences that were handed down, our investigation resulted in significant high-value drug seizures, which ensured that these illegal substances were taken off the streets. Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on communities, so cutting off supplies and removing those responsible for drug dealing from our communities is of huge importance to us.”
