THE Northwich member of a drugs gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin across Chester is awaiting sentence after two of his associates were jailed.

Gary Roebuck, of Alan Street, was part of a three-man drugs supply operation in the Lache area.

The 33-year-old admitted two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and has been remanded in custody to appear at Chester Crown Court on November 15 for sentencing.

At a hearing on Wednesday, October 9, Roebuck's two co-conspirators - Connor Robins and Michael Curtis - were jailed for a combined total of eight years.  

Twenty-eight-year-old Robins, of Clover Lane, Chester, was jailed for five years while Curtis, aged 47 and also of Clover Lane, was sentenced to three years in prison.

Both men had previously been found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The court heard how in June 2023, officers from Chester Proactive Policing Team launched Operation Starship in response to intelligence a drugs line was being operated in the Lache area.

The number was being used to send flare messages on a daily basis, offering to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

During their enquiries officers established the phone line was being controlled by Robins.

In order to minimise his risk of being detected Robins recruited two other men to work for him; Roebuck and Curtis.

Roebuck was given the task of looking after the phone and taking orders on behalf of Robins, while the Curtis acted as a chauffeur, helping him to collect the drugs from Liverpool and deliver them to users across Chester.

After gathering a catalogue of evidence against the men, they were all arrested on Thursday, February 1.

During questioning, Robin denied any involvement in the supply of illegal drugs. He claimed that he was simply friends with the two other men and stated he did not know who was controlling the drugs gang.

Meanwhile, Curtis admitted he was a drugs user, but also denied any involvement in the supply of illegal drugs.

Despite their denial, both men were charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Richard Connolley, of Chester Proactive Policing Team, said: “I welcome the sentences handed to Robins and Curtis and I hope they act as a warning to others involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

“Robins thought by taking a hands-off approach he would be able to avoid detection, and simply pass the blame onto Curtis and Roebuck, while keeping all of the profits.

“However, he clearly underestimated the dedication and commitment of the team here at Chester to ensure that all those involved in the supply of illegal drugs are held accountable for their actions.”

Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings added: “While Robins and Curtis are now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs remains ongoing and information from the public is vital.

“I’d urge anyone with any information in relation to drug-related activity in their community to get in touch.”

Information can be reported via cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime or via 101. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.