Ellesmere Port drugs gang jailed for more than twenty years

An organised crime gang from Ellesmere Port have been jailed for more than twenty years for dealing class A drugs.

Riley Broster, Ryan Winkle, Thomas Turner, and Guvanel Agrela all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine).

They all appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 27 July where they were handed the following sentences -

• Broster, 26, of Hampton Gardens, Ellesmere Port – 6 years and 4 months
• Winkle, 28, of Pembridge Court, Ellesmere Port – 5 years and 8 months
• Agrela,57, of Pembridge Court, Ellesmere Port – 4 years and 8 months
• Turner, 27, of Leven Walk, Ellesmere Port – 4 years and 8 months

The investigation into the gang began after detectives from Ellesmere Port CID became aware of two mobile phone numbers which were being used to sell illegal drugs in the local area.

The numbers were being used to send out regular ‘flare messages’ to drug addicts in Ellesmere Port offering to supply them with illegal drugs.

Following extensive enquiries officers identified that the phones were controlled Winkle and Broster.

Between them the pair were responsible for sending the flare messages and taking the orders. Broster was also responsible for sourcing the drugs.

Turner was the gang’s street dealer, who distributed the drugs directly to the addicts.

Meanwhile, Agrela allowed his home on Pembridge Court to be used as the stash house. The gang used the flat as a secure base to produce crack cocaine and bag it up ready for delivery.

Following months of detailed investigations, detectives arrested the gang on Wednesday 8 February, when they conducted a series of warrants across Ellesmere Port.

During the warrants officers recovered a large amount of drugs paraphernalia, a mobile phone, approximately £900 cash and more than £1,000 worth of crack cocaine.

All four men were subsequently charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine).

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Wellings, of Ellesmere Port Proactive CID, said:

“This is a fantastic result, not only are four drug dealers now behind bars, but we’ve also been able to remove a large quantity of crack cocaine from the streets of our town.

“During our enquiries it was clear that these men were all part of a well-established organised crime gang who were responsible for dealing large quantities of illegal drugs in the Ellesmere Port area.

“Thanks to our detailed investigation we were able to bring the men to justice, leaving them with no option but to plead guilty to all of the offences.

“While this gang are now behind bars, out fight against illegal drugs continues and as part of this we need support from local residents. We need the public to be our eyes and ears and to come forward with information regarding drug dealing in the areas they live in."

If you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place, please report it on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.