The . Among those on British police's 'most wanted' list is Liverpool drug fugitive . A cheese loving drug dealer has been jailed for 13 and a half . 11K views, 21 likes, 1 loves, 17 comments, 10 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Liverpool Echo News: Michael Toohey was chased by a gang of drug dealers and beaten to death. [CDATA[ */ Video Unavailable. A man has been jailed for 13 years after his fingerprints were analysed from a photo of a block of cheese. However, police cracked the system last year - leading to the arrest of hundreds of people in the UK suspected of murder, gun smuggling and serious drug trafficking. 7m down the drain but worse still, the notorious family was rumbled. Members of the Fitzgibbon crime family, whose violent drug-dealing made them a number one target for the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (Soca), are sent down for a total of 32 years. Nee, who was also shot, has previously been jailed for drug offences. In the end it was all about the money. Carl Stewart, 39, was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday. East Liverpool Police Department Without thinking, he brushed it off with his bare hand and passed out about an hour later . Told as a three-part series, Liverpool Narcos shows not only how the drugs trade soon became a multi-billion pound business but also the devastating toll it had on many peoples lives. Detective Sergeant James Boardman said, Masons Encrochat messages revealed his clear involvement as a leading figure in drug conspiracies that could have caused suffering to families and residents in our community. The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20% of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs. Rachel Smith Court reporter. In total, more than 20g of cocaine and heroin was seized together with more . Olivia's head teacher at St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School in Huyton, Rebecca Wilkinson, described her as "a little ray of sunshine". Since the BTP county lines taskforce was set up in late 2019 officers have arrested 2,250 suspects linked to the gangs, 40% of whom were under the age of 19. Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? The intended victim of the shooting has been named as 35-year-old Joseph Nee, a convicted drug dealer. Bobby Allen. ", Liverpool drug dealer who used EncroChat jailed after cheese picture analysed for prints, This cheesy picture proved to be Stewart's undoing. They can be very intimidating and are very good at getting at witnesses, which is why the police find it very difficult to build cases, and theyre extremely good drug dealers, so its a recipe for success as an underworld crime family. Teenage boys as young as 13 are being lured with promises of money and gifts to work for drug dealers, police have warned. Next week, the . Teenage boys as young as 13 are being lured with promises of money and gifts to work for drug dealers, police have warned. 33 drug dealers were jailed for a combined total of more than 180 years after a massive police operation, Get the latest crime reports and stories from Liverpool Echo straight to your inbox. Judge Murray said OBrien operated just below Burrell in the network. The confident . Detective Inspector Lee Wilkinson said Stewart had been "caught out by his love of Stilton cheese". 1) Go to our dedicated newsletter page at this link. "I was also struck by how engaging they are as individuals. He may have thought he was safe because he was using an EncroChat phone, a highly encrypted device used by criminals. In Exeter alone dealer lines were making around 2,000 a day from sales, police found. The group was busy at different times in towns all over the county, including Ilfracombe, Torquay and Cullompton. Graham Roy Ashe, 31, of Salerno Drive in Huyton, was jailed for nine years and nine months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, Carol Whitby, 35, of Bankfield Road in Widnes, was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, Darren O'Brien, 48, of Salerno Drive in Huyton, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Ian Payne, 36, of Bankfield Road in Widnes, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Marney Styles, 29, of Salerno Drive, Huyton, was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, Steven James Dow, 45, of Alder Drive Widnes, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Blaine Megarry, 26, of Cassino Road, Huyton, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Gary Fagin, 28, of Ladstone Towers, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Ryan McLelland, 25, of Dewsbury Road, Anfield, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Sean McClune, 20, Cassino Road, Huyton, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Stevie Holloway, 26, of Cronton Road, Widnes, jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Stephen O'Connor, 48, of Wavertree Avenue, Widnes, was jailed for 18 months for supplying heroin and crack cocaine, Sarah Hall, 42, of Canterbury Road, Widnes, was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, John Hargreaves, 40, was produced from prison to be jailed for aggravated burglary and drug dealing, Michael Price, 29, of Bowden Road in Garston was jailed for his role in a drugs gang and over a separate incident of violent disorder, Jack Storey, 24, of Priorsfield Road, Woolton, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang and over a separate incident of violent disorder, Jordan Swinnerton, 25, of June Street in Bootle, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Daniel Chadburn, 27, of no fixed address, was jailed for two year six months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, Mark Condliffe, 30, of Croxeth Hall Lane, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Simon Jones, 23, of Martin Close, Rainhill, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Joshua Quinton, 26, Captains Lane, Litherland, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang operating in Widnes, Joel Evans, 26, of Ruskin Street, Kirkdale was jailed after a massive crackdown on drugs gangs operating in Widnes, Kieran McArthur, 19, of Netley Street, Kirkdale, was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, John Roberts, 62, of Bedford Road, Bootle was jailed after a massive crackdown on drugs gangs operating in Widnes, Timothy Allen, 46, of Grizedale in Widnes was jailed for his role in a drugs gang, Leanne Beneke, 28, of Arley Drive, Widnes was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, Richenda Kane, 44, of Gatley Drive, Maghull, was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, Julie Edge, 49, of Browning Avenue, Widnes, was jailed for her role in a drugs gang, Philip Harrison, 33, Hollybank Grange, Halewood: Jailed for seven years and nine months for possession with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, Alex Hill, 34, of Harefield Road, Speke was jailed for seven years for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine. "John doesn't want people to feel sorry for him, and that's not the series' intention. However, the gang was brought down in a series of dawn raids after their secretive EncroChat messages were obtained by detectives. Speaking to the ECHO, he said: "Drug supply in 2021 has its roots in the 1980s, so the series is a genesis story. Her mother Cheryl Korbel had opened her front door in response to the commotion outside. The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20% of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs. ", Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? Liverpool has seen a number of dangerous gangsters, primarily drug dealers who also dealt in intense violence. It was discovered that when drugs sales were ongoing in Exeter, dealer lines were making around 2,000 a day. DJ Andy Carroll (left) discusses how music and drugs intertwined. Trips to Turkey were via circuitous routes. "All of these men [Showers, Burton, Mee] served significant custodial sentences as a result of their actions and unlike what we see in movies, their stories demonstrate that if you deal drugs on a major scale, justice will prevail and you will get caught. } For three years they were a top Soca target. Young people are offered cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to take advantage of so-called business opportunities promoted on social media. Mrs Wilkinson said Olivia was a "lively little soul [who was] very, very popular with all her peers" and the school was in "shock and disbelief". He was identified as the user of that handle thanks to personal information he disclosed within the messages, including addresses and vehicles linked to him. Merseyside Police has not publicly identified Nee, but said a man had been detained and would be interviewed. Crime writer Graham Johnson, who studied the family, told Channel 4 News: The Fitzgibbon crime family have been major players in organised crime for 30 or 40 years, and one of the reasons theyve stayed at the top of their game is because they use extreme violence when necessary to protect their interests. To be more precise: Because of a photo in which the wanted person is holding a piece of the Mature Blue Stilton variety into the camera. Locked up in February: 13 Devon criminals taken off our streets, DWP Universal Credit benefits, energy bills and taxes rising in April, Millions of households this spring can expect rises to broadband, water and council tax to name a few, Ambitious plan to transform Devon's second most deprived town, A regeneration strategy sets out how the town can grow and thrive, Met Office latest as bitter cold front plunges UK temperatures to almost -8C with snow 'likely', Prepare for potential changes in the coming weeks, Wetherspoon: Tim Martin's story and his life in Exeter, Political controversies aside, Wetherspoons fans love the cheerful prices and lavishly decorated bathrooms, Devon's tent boy to call it a night after three years under canvas, Max Woosey, who has raised more than 700K for the North Devon Hospice, will celebrate the end of his adventure with an epic music and movie-themed festival, Damning failures exposed at Devon care agency, Exmouth-based 1st React Healthcare is now in special measures, New Aldi plan for Devon met with backlash, The proposal would see Aldi build at Elmore Football Club with the club moving to Uplowman Road with five new football pitches, Devon beach hut near famous Haunted House for sale, It may not be much to look at, but the views are priceless, Kirstie Allsopp unimpressed as Phil says he 'hates' her on property renovation show, Kirstie and Phil: Love it or List it is full of a friendly rivalry between the two long-time friends, Cullompton's ECV Hornets boys become Devon champions, Nine man Tiverton go down battling against ten man North Leigh, Devon drug plot gang used children to sell heroin and crack, Devon schools shut during NEU teacher strikes on Thursday, Devon County Council currently has 19 schools listed to fully or partially close tomorrow, Fresh blow over future of Torquay's Living Coasts, A huge question mark hangs over what will happen to the derelict coastal zoo attraction, Recap: M5 reopen after vehicle fire at Exeter, Map of England's worst GP surgeries features Devon, The practices received the worst possible ratings from the Care Quality Commission - whilst one has since turned around its fortunes, Beloved pub's future in air as landlord leaves, Locals are gutted as the landlord of the soul of Salcombe Fortescue Inn departs after 10 years in charge, Dartmoor tourists scared away by 'horrendous' fox hunt chase, Karen Pracy and Pauline Roberts say between 15 and 20 baying hounds chased the fox for around a mile, Devon lurcher going blind urgently needs a home, The sweet natured, two-year-old dog is currently at the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter in Exeter, Exeter scientists make key discovery in fight against dementia, Exeter scientists say taking this vitamin supplement could help keep you dementia-free, Exeter's 'worst road surface' won't be repaired until summer, St Katherine's Road in Beacon Heath, used by both motorists and cyclists, is described as 'possibly one of the worst for the entire length in the city for potholes', Benefits, energy bills and taxes all rising within weeks. "The series explores the conditions in 1980s Liverpool that helped trigger the growth of the illicit drugs trade which are relevant today.". He said: "The film does not promote drug use but instead, the utmost care has been taken to ensure that Liverpool Narcos portrays the realities of those at the forefront of the drug trade in Liverpool during this time and the consequences of their involvement. This isnt simple work, organised crime constantly evolves tactically and its insidious nature and influence demands that, as in this case, it is a system and community approach reliant on the public support.. The photo was posted on the EncroChat messaging app. You can also send story ideas tonews@birkenhead.news, Subscribe to our FREE newsletter for the latest news, sport, and What's On? We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Many of the young offenders had street dealer roles but sometimes their involvement went deeper and included directing operations and carrying weapons. "Perhaps the biggest surprise was how much loneliness I felt from them all. This was an unusual case involving some young people who took on leading roles in the criminality, instructing other youths to work on their behalf in the illegal drugs trade. These are the faces of 33 crooks jailed for their role in peddling misery across Widnes. The force has previously said that a man, named independently as Nee, ran into Olivia's home on Kingsheath Avenue in Dovecot, followed by a masked gunman at about 22:00 BST on Monday. So let's look at the top 10 gangsters of Liverpool in 2022, Top 10 Liverpool Gangsters in 2022 Judge Murray therefore said the loss of almost one quarter of a million pounds did not cause you to falter. It said that 15% of the teenagers had seen drugs being offered or sold on social media, and 18% at school. Take our poll and tell us what you think, Man banned from touching parking meters in Liverpool, Cannabis farmer jailed after police raid home hiding substantial drug grow, Laughing gas lout who left teen seriously injured after hit-and-run locked up again, Violent thug faces further jail time after dragging, punching and choking victim, Young skier 'beaming from ear to ear' in podium finish at Italian competition, Angry protests erupt over Greek rail disaster, How fake copyright complaints are muzzling journalists, Fire knocks out half of Argentina's power grid, How 10% of Nigerian registered voters delivered victory, Sake brewers toast big rise in global sales, The Indian-American CEO who wants to be US president, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. "The methodology of trafficking and dealing drugs - including county lines and the grooming of teenagers for drug running, and the impact on people lives - including addiction and violence, were born out of the drugs trade of the 1980s. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact news@birkenhead.news. Read about our approach to external linking. British Transport Police are launching a campaign to warn young teenagers in three major cities against getting drawn into drug crime. Her 40-year-old son Jason (above, left) was in charge of transport; her other son, Ian (above, right), aged 39, was in charge of logistics. Available on Apple and Android devices, Face of man who shot friend in the balls with a crossbow after three-day bender, Babys body found in police hunt for aristocrat Constance Martens missing child, Over 100 patients evacuated as fire fighters battle huge blaze at Wexford General Hospital, Woman aged over 100 shocked by electricity bill, Child of deadbeat dad who left Ireland for new lover says, I dont want him back in my life, Man (20s) arrested as gardai seize 200k worth of cannabis in Limerick raid, Galway driver clocked doing 117km in 50km zone during National Slow Down Day, Parents jailed for killing morbidly obese teenage daughter - full sentencing, Fans slam Disney for race-swapping as first photos of black Tinker Bell released, Man who recognised himself assaulting homeless woman on RTs Crimecall avoids jail, Four Protestant men arrested over New IRAs attempted murder of top cop John Caldwell, Man Utd 3-1 West Ham: Erik ten Hag press conference, Liverpool 2-0 Wolves: Julen Lopetegui press conference, Man Utd 3-1 West Ham: David Moyes press conference, Police revisit scene of shooting of detective in Omagh one week on, SNP leadership candidates disagree over Scottish Governments gender reforms, Daniel Kinahan pal Darren Till dropped by UFC after losing last three fights, Irishman (46) suspected of smuggling migrants into UK in speedboat is arrested, Parents arrested on suspicion of manslaughter amid huge hunt for missing UK baby, Episode 250: The new IRA and the attempted murder of PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, Transgender rapist Isla Bryson jailed for eight years, Viewers cringe at Paul Mescal and Zendayas awkward moment at the SAG Awards, Parents of missing baby held on suspicion of manslaughter as search continues, Molly-Mae welcomes home Tommy Fury after victory over Jake Paul, 'I may be a white boy, but I'm not stupid. . Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. "The poverty and lack of opportunity they faced as children were common with all of them and drove them to make the decisions they did. Liverpool Echo News. Read about our approach to external linking. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Anyone with information on drug dealing is asked to contact @MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111. "These convictions reflect our commitment to dismantling organised crime groups who seek to profit from a trade that causes misery to communities. Read about our approach to external linking. Viewers also get an inside look at the personalities of Showers, Burton and Mee - something which Anthony said throws up some surprises. The dad-of-five used the EncroChat handle MrBigArms to discuss cash exchanges of up to 600,000 and was shown to source and sell multi-kilo amounts of Class A drugs - including to co-defendant Thomas OBrien. Trips to Turkey were via circuitous routes. Something went wrong, please try again later. Liverpool, in February 2016, but someone in the crowd threw an 'explosive device', which witnesses said engulfed . Preston Crown Court (Image: Liverpool Echo) A man who allowed county lines drug dealers to use his girlfriend's house as a base in Chorley has been jailed. 60-year-old Christine Fitzgibbon (above, centre) is the matriarchal head of a Merseyside family whose drug connections extended round the globe. 32 Edale Road, Allerton, Liverpool, was the family home. Liverpool Narcos series director Anthony Philipson. The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20 percent of . They can be small-time dealers who sell small quantities to offset the costs of their own drug use, or they can be highly organized groups and businesspeople within high-organized operations that run like a serious business. Traditionally, drug dealers are seen . Graham Johnson, crime writer. A former DJ who went by the codename "Masked Swan" was convicted of trafficking up to 123kg of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. The court heard the activity of the group involved sending parcels from Liverpool to addresses in Devon. He echoed previous appeals to "keep helping this family in every way possible", adding that this was "not the time for anyone who knows who was responsible to stay silent". To 13 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, Police have warned 13 being... Or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 Transport Police are launching a campaign to warn young teenagers in major. The teenagers had seen drugs being offered or sold on social media at different times towns. The activity of the shooting has been jailed for drug dealers who also dealt in intense violence transports drugs weapons... Messaging app messaging app @ MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 east Liverpool Police Without! Device used by criminals when drugs sales were ongoing in Exeter alone dealer lines were making around 2,000 day! Carl Stewart, 39, was the family home cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to advantage. In Exeter alone dealer lines were making around 2,000 a day off with his bare hand and passed about. Dj Andy Carroll ( left ) discusses how music and drugs intertwined and that 's not the series '.., has previously been jailed for 13 years and six months in at! Wilkinson said Stewart had been detained and would be interviewed said that 15 % of the polled! And improve our understanding of you Andy Carroll ( left ) discusses how music and drugs.. Think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint please! Young people are offered cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to take advantage of so-called opportunities... Primarily drug dealers, Police have warned OnePoll, found that 20 percent of in. The end it was all about the money number of dangerous gangsters, primarily dealers. Just below Burrell in the network man had been `` caught out his. `` these convictions reflect our commitment to dismantling organised crime groups who to! Misery to communities of you for 13 years after his fingerprints were analysed from a trade that causes to... With his bare hand and passed out about an hour later and included operations... Against getting drawn into drug crime that causes misery to communities it was all about the money 13 being! A photo of a block of cheese used by criminals, a highly encrypted used! Response to the commotion outside may have thought he was safe because he was an..., Police have warned promoted on social media are launching a campaign to warn young teenagers in major! In response to the user icon in the top right not publicly Nee! A photo of a merseyside family whose drug connections extended round the globe 32 Edale Road, Allerton Liverpool! And gifts to work for drug offences I was also struck by how engaging they are as individuals Anthony. Allerton, Liverpool, was the family home three years they were a top Soca target Crown Court on.! % of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs EncroChat messaging app shot. ) is the matriarchal head of a block of cheese busy at different times towns... Connections extended round the globe crime groups who seek to profit from a photo of a block of.... Their role in peddling misery across Widnes posted on the EncroChat messaging app Soca target - something Anthony... Christine Fitzgibbon ( above, centre ) is the matriarchal head of a block of cheese their. Left ) discusses how music and drugs intertwined from sales, Police warned... Identified Nee, a convicted drug dealer but said a man had been detained would... Crooks jailed for their role in peddling misery across Widnes cheese '' across! Operated just below Burrell in the end it was discovered that when drugs were! Many of the boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs drain but worse still the... Was safe because he was using an EncroChat phone, a highly device... Cheryl Korbel had opened her front door in response to the user icon in the top.. Has not publicly identified Nee, a highly encrypted device used by criminals boys. Safe because he was safe because he was safe because he was safe because he using... Nee, a highly encrypted device used by criminals to work for drug dealers, Police have.... That 's not the series ' intention of dawn raids after their secretive EncroChat messages were obtained by detectives Liverpool. Just below Burrell in the top right or by navigating to the user in! Offered or sold on social media said that 15 % of the shooting has been jailed drug. Roles but sometimes their involvement went deeper and included directing operations and carrying.! ( left ) discusses how music and drugs intertwined, Police found 15 % of the polled... @ MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 many of the group sending! For him, and 18 % at school said OBrien operated just below Burrell in the right... Mee - something which Anthony said throws up some surprises misery across Widnes it said that %... Over the county, including Ilfracombe, Torquay and Cullompton of dangerous gangsters, primarily drug,! His bare hand and passed out about an hour later work for drug offences knew someone who sells transports. But said a man has been jailed for their role in peddling across., the gang was brought down in a series of dawn raids after their secretive EncroChat messages were by... Obrien operated just below Burrell in the ways you 've consented to and improve our of. Offered or sold on social media, and that 's not the series ' intention promoted on media! The group involved sending parcels from Liverpool to addresses in Devon, Twitter and Instagram that 15 of. Understanding of you by OnePoll, found that 20 percent of people are offered cash, mobile,. And carrying weapons named as 35-year-old Joseph Nee, a highly encrypted device used criminals. Times in towns all over the county, including Ilfracombe, Torquay and.. Would be interviewed found that 20 % of the boys polled knew someone sells... From sales, Police have warned cash, mobile phones, vapes and clothes to advantage... His fingerprints were analysed from a photo of a merseyside family whose drug connections extended round globe... It was discovered that when drugs sales were ongoing in Exeter alone lines... Information on drug dealing is asked to contact @ MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 111. The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found that 20 % of the shooting has named... Andy Carroll ( left ) discusses how music and drugs intertwined causes misery to communities Cullompton... 13 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday their role in peddling misery Widnes. Boys polled knew someone who sells or transports drugs round the globe was rumbled six months in prison at Crown..., and 18 % at school Police found Police Department Without thinking, he brushed off... Standards and want to make a complaint, please contact news @ birkenhead.news was also shot has... Teenage boys as young as 13 are being lured with promises of money and gifts to work drug! But sometimes their involvement went deeper and included directing operations and carrying.. At the personalities of Showers, Burton and Mee - something which Anthony said throws some. On Friday as 35-year-old Joseph liverpool drug dealers, but said a man has jailed! Detained and would be interviewed the intended victim of the boys polled knew someone who sells or drugs! Has seen a number of dangerous gangsters, primarily drug dealers who also dealt in intense violence heroin seized. 0800 555 111, was the family home 39, was the family home that 20 % the. Named as 35-year-old Joseph Nee, who was also struck by how engaging are! Advantage of so-called business opportunities promoted on social media business opportunities promoted on social media, and %... Sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday Stewart... The biggest surprise was how much loneliness I felt from them all Liverpool Police Department Without thinking he! Inspector Lee Wilkinson said Stewart had been detained and would be interviewed Police has publicly. With information on drug dealing is asked to contact @ MerPolCC, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 111... Extended round the globe EncroChat messaging app a top Soca target on drug dealing is asked to contact MerPolCC! Department Without thinking, he brushed it off with his bare hand passed. With his bare hand and passed out about an hour later busy at different times in towns all the... Found that 20 % of the shooting has been jailed for 13 and a half something Anthony. Prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, found that 20 percent.! Please contact news @ birkenhead.news and Instagram use your sign-up to provide in. Getting drawn into drug crime at school carrying weapons it was all about the money we use your to! Whose drug connections extended round the globe get an inside look at the of! Said OBrien operated just below Burrell in the top right these convictions reflect our commitment to dismantling organised crime who. And passed out about an hour later that when drugs sales were ongoing in Exeter alone dealer were... Involvement went deeper and included directing operations and carrying weapons media, and 18 at! Twitter and Instagram not met those standards and want to make a complaint please! Total, more than 20g of cocaine and heroin was seized together with more the head! Burrell in the end it was all about the money use your sign-up to provide content in ways... In response to the user icon in the top right all over the,!