Northwich member of Chester drugs gang jailed

Northwich resident Gary Roebuck has been sentenced to two years in prison for his part in a Chester drugs gang’s operation.

The 33-year-old is the third member of the gang to have been locked up, following the sentencing of Connor Robins and Michael Curtis last month.

Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings said: “While Robins, Curtis and Roebuck 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.”

Gary Roebuck, of Alan Street in Northwich (Image: Cheshire Police) On October 9, 28-year-old Robins and 47-year-old Curtis, both of Clover Lane in Chester, were jailed for five years and three years respectively.

Both men had 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 that a drugs line was being operated in the Lache area of Chester.

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

During the investigation, officers established that the phone line was being controlled by Robins.

To minimise his risk of being detected, Robins recruited two other men to work for him - Roebuck and Curtis.

Roebuck, of Alan Street in Northwich, 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 all three were arrested and charged with drugs offences.

Roebuck was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday (November 15), having pleaded guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Connor Robins and Michael Curtis (Image: Cheshire Police)

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

“Robins thought that 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.”

Information can be reported to Cheshire Police online at cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime or via 101.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.