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The operation was led by 40-year-old Usman Akhter, who orchestrated the network from his prison cell while serving a 13-year sentence for a separate drug offence in 2021.
While incarcerated at HMP Ranby in Nottinghamshire, Akhter coordinated the group’s activities with the help of associates Arkadiusz Matejko, 27, T-Jay Russell, 21, Kieran Hawley, 21, Damian Davies-Cummings, 45, and James Sneath, 37.
The gang was charged in connection with drug distribution offences carried out between October 2021 and October 2023.
Judge Andrew Jefferies stated that the drugs had been sourced from Manchester, with Akhter leveraging contacts he made while in prison.
Akhter, who is originally from Darwen and goes by the nickname ‘Curly’, also faced another charge alongside Hawley and Sneath for supplying spice, synthetic cannabinoids, into the prison estate.
Judge Jeffries said: “You were the head of this whilst being a prisoner, serving 13 years for Operation Florence.
“You were directing others in custody and the community, and you did so using illicit phones and contacting people in the community.”
Matjeko, of no fixed abode, was said to have played an integral role in the distribution and sale of the drugs and had built a relationship with Akhter.
Outlining that the defendant was not merely a dealer, but had an operational function in the chain and understood the operation.
He also faced charges for wounding and controlling behaviour and an abusive relationship with an ex-partner, which culminated in him physically assaulting her during a holiday in Romania.
The court heard how Matjeko had punched her in the face and he dragged her by her hair around the room.
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Judge Jeffries added: “When she had the courage to dump you, you threatened to petrol bomb her and kill yourself.
“Her victim’s personal statement highlights the effects of your behaviour, and it is a permanent reminder of the damage you caused.”
Additionally, Matjeko faced charges for the supply of ecstasy between November 21 and April 24, with references to the sale of thousands of pills.
T-Jay Russell, Bishopstone Close, Blackburn, was said to act as an enforcer and debt collector for the group and ensured that the ketamine sold to Hawley and Cummings was sold.
At the time of the offence, Russell was just 18, a factor that was considered when he was sentenced.
Russell also faced charges for the sale of heroin and cocaine for one month.
Judge Jefferies added: “Your role is significant and leading and managerial responsibilities, I accept given your immaturity and age and acting on instructions when you got sucked in to the criminal lifestyle.
“You are seen to send overtly threatening messages, and when you were ignored by other co-conspirators.
“One particular message was the complaint of making no money due to others using the line, with you having supervision of the drug phone, which was used by others acting on your behalf.
“You bought ounces of cocaine and employed others acting under you, a significant role, but one at the upper end.”
Additionally, Russell faced dangerous driving charges after he drove on the wrong side of the road, through a cycle lane and through red lights whilst being pursued by police.
Hawley, of Bishopstone Close, Blackburn, played a key role in street-level drug supply and worked closely with Cummings to deliver the drugs.
The court heard how Cummings, of Manor Road, used his grandmother’s house to store kilos of cannabis and remained in contact with Akhtar in prison.
Both defendants’ age at the time of the offending was taken into account, with both being under the age of 18 at the time of their criminality.
James Sneath, of no fixed abode, who was unable to appear in court, was said to act as a prison liaison for drugs into the estate and sold directly to users.
He also faced additional charges for a dangerous driving matter in Warrington in December 2023.
DS Stu Peall, of the East Exploitation Team, said: “Headed by Usman Akhter as the kingpin, this OCG was responsible for the trafficking of a significant amount of Class A and Class B drugs onto the streets of Blackburn and into a prison nearly 100 miles away.
“When debts weren’t paid, Akhter ordered others to engage in violence and threats of violence from his prison cell.
“I have these sentences send out a clear message that Lancashire Police and the courts will not tolerate behaviour of this kind, particularly when it is committed by individuals already serving time at His Majesty’s pleasure.”
The action was taken as part of Operation Warrior, which is our response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire and delivering on Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw’s Fighting Crime Plan priority of disrupting and dismantling organised crime.
Mr Grunshaw said: “It’s fantastic to see the ongoing success of Op Warrior in removing drugs off our streets, even from 100 miles away. My thanks go to every single officer who helped to bring these criminals to justice.
“Today’s sentences are testament to this complex investigation and work in dismantling the activities of this criminal network both in and out of the prison system to protect the public.
“Organised crime creates misery and fear in local communities, and I will continue to back the chief constable, so that our police officers and staff have the resources necessary to tackle this issue, which is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire.”
Akhtar was sentenced to six years, on top of the 13 years he is already serving.
Matejko was sentenced to seven years and eight months and was handed a ten-year restraining order regarding his ex-partner.
Russell was sentenced to four years.
Hawley received a sentence of 20 months, suspended for 18 months.
Cummings received a sentence of 12 months, suspended for 12 months.
Sneath was sentenced to a period of 12 months.
“}]] A criminal gang that trafficked large quantities of ketamine and cannabis across East Lancashire has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison. Read More
