Lancashire drugs gang caged for over 52 years

Police said wholesale amounts of cocaine were moved around the area by the group, all largely from the Burnley area.

The gang had a hierarchy, with those at the top of the conspiracy involved in running the network, sourcing the drugs, and arranging for others to supply them to users.

They also ensured money owed by those buying drugs was collected.

Nolan, Boys, Waterworth, and Burnie at a spa day as part of their ‘lavish’ lifestyle (Image: Lancashire Police)

Heading the group was Paddy Nolan. His responsibilities included sourcing multiple kilos of cocaine from outside of Lancashire and bringing it into the county for distribution.

Lancashire Police’s East Targeted Crime Unit gathered evidence showing that Nolan had amassed a significant amount of wealth and had access to large amounts of cash, allowing him to live a lavish lifestyle.

A picture of the gang’s cash that was seized from the mobile phone of one of the defendants (Image: Lancashire Police)

Ross Boys was one of Nolan’s most trusted mid-level marketeers and a trusted member of the drugs network, police said.

Darren Mott was the gang’s cash courier, making frequent journeys from Manchester to Lancashire and only staying a short time in the county.

Paddy Nolan (Image: Lancashire Police)

On November 14, 2024, Mott was seen carrying a large rucksack in the company of Nolan and then travelled in Nolan’s car.

Mott then transferred to another car and, when that vehicle was stopped by officers, £100,000 in cash was found in the rucksack.

Nolan, Ross Boys, and Mott were among those arrested on December 2, 2024. More of the gang were arrested later that month, and in January 2025.

The 10 defendants appeared for sentence at Burnley Crown Court last Friday. They are:

• Paddy Nolan, 29, of Hallam Road, Nelson – jailed for 11 years and eight months
• Ross Boys, 29, of Mitella Street, Burnley – jailed for seven years and six months
• Darren Mott, 47, of Henley Avenue, Irlam, Manchester – jailed for six years and nine months
• Matthew Waterworth, 34, of Grange Street, Burnley – jailed for five years
• Regan Burnie, 34, of Stanbury Drive, Burnley – jailed for four years and 11 months
• Aaron Cormack, 31, of Eastern Avenue, Burnley – jailed for three years and nine months
• Luke Barritt, 37, of Healey Wood Road, Burnley – jailed for three years and eight months
• Leon Canning, 27, of Bowland Avenue, Burnley – jailed for three years and two months
• Jacob Dewhurst, 29, of Greenbrook Road, Burnley – jailed for three years and two months
• Jamie Howes, 29, of St Annes Street, Padiham – jailed for three years and one month

Chief Inspector Sarah Danson, of Lancashire Police, said: “This gang made significant amounts of money peddling drugs on our streets, but despite their best efforts to cover their tracks and to evade capture are now behind bars.

“We will continue to tackle those who bring harm to our communities by dealing in illegal drugs by dismantling these gangs and putting those involved before the courts.

“I’d like to thank the hard work and dedication of the East Targeted Crime Unit who brought down the gang and brought them to justice.”