Drugs gang including two men from Oldham jailed for almost 50 years for supplying drugs across the North West

Four members of a drugs gang - including two men from Oldham - who ran a ‘sophisticated drugs operation’ have been jailed for a total of almost 50 years for conspiring to supply drugs across the North West.

The gang was brought to justice following a proactive operation by the Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCG). 

Bobby Vernon ran the Organised Crime Group assisted by his trusted lieutenant Darren Rae while others stored, adulterated and supplied class A and class B drugs on their behalf. 

The following all entered guilty pleas and were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today (Monday). 

Bobby Vernon (40), of Kingsway, Middleton; conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) - jailed for 14yrs 8mths.

Darren Rae (52), of Abbeydale Road, Moston; conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) - jailed for 13yrs 4mths (Rae was also on licence at the time of this conspiracy). 

Jack Tolley (33), of Beaufont Drive, Oldham; conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) and conspiracy to supply class B drugs (amphetamine) - jailed for 9yrs 7mths. 

Daniel Nosey (33), of Stoneleigh Street, Oldham; conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, heroin and MDMA) and conspiracy to supply class B drugs (amphetamine) - jailed for 9yrs 7mths. 

The following also entered guilty pleas and received a range of community sentences: 

Alexandra Gregory (37), of Oswald Street, Shaw; permit use of premises for supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and class B drugs (amphetamine). 

Rebecca Kenworthy (31), of Whittaker Lane, Rochdale; concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine). 

Katie McCann (28), of Benton Street, Moston; permit use of premises for supply of class A drugs (cocaine) and class B drugs (amphetamine). 

Jennifer Kenworthy (54), of Whittaker Lane, Rochdale; permit use of premises for supply of class A drugs (cocaine).  

Gerald David (55), of Whittaker Lane, Rochdale; permit use of premises for supply of class A drugs (cocaine). 

A warrant at McCann's house on March 6, 2024, resulted in the seizure of heroin, adulterant (caffeine and paracetamol) used for bulking out controlled drugs, 154 MDMA tablets, six hydraulic presses and other drugs preparation paraphernalia. 

The total value of the drugs seized was valued between £14,500 wholesale and £39,080 street value. 

On March 8, 2024, police stopped a vehicle on M6 near Preston and seized a kilogram of cocaine with a wholesale value of between £28,000 and £34,000. 

Tolley and Nosey were arrested on May 23, 2024 and more drugs, cocaine and amphetamine with a total wholesale value of around £100k, were seized following the execution of a warrant at Gregory’s home address. 

A mobile phone seized from Vernon’s cell at HMP Hindley with details of cocaine either sold or due to be sold with the deals worth around £855,000. 

Inspector Paul Crompton, from the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: "This was a sophisticated, high-level drugs trafficking OCG that was headed by Bobby Vernon, with his uncle Darren Rae operating closely with him in controlling the activities of others involved in the couriering and storing of large amounts of drugs. 

"Both had received significant custodial sentences for previous drugs trafficking investigation carried out by SOCG. 

"Despite Vernon still being under licence as part of his previous sentence, and despite both he and Rae being subject to Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), they continued to commit crime with impunity and with a complete disregard for the law or for their local communities. 

"As a result of a thorough and meticulous investigation carried out by my team, these men and the rest of their criminal conspirators had nowhere to go and pleaded guilty very early on in proceedings. 

"The sentences imposed today reflect the seriousness of their offending, and they will have a long time to think about the consequences of their actions."