A father and son duo from Astley have been sentenced to a combined total of 12 years and 9 months in prison following a major drugs conspiracy investigation led by Greater Manchester Police’s Salford Challenger Team.
Antony Peers Sr and his son, also named Antony Peers, were sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on 28 March 2024. Antony Peers Sr received 4 years and 6 months, while his son was handed 8 years and 3 months for their roles in a cocaine and cannabis drug ring operating in Astley and Tyldesley.
Both men were linked to a criminal network that used encrypted mobile phones to organise illegal activities as part of the national Operation Venetic, which targeted and dismantled the criminal chat system Encrochat in 2020. The younger Antony Peers operated under the handle ‘Tubbyfern’ to coordinate large-scale drug deals and manage cannabis farms.
Antony Peers Sr played a significant role by running a hydraulic press in his garage to reprocess cocaine blocks and cultivating cannabis plants. During police raids on their properties, officers seized drugs, designer clothes, a Range Rover Evoque, mountain bikes, a Rolex watch, jewellery, a 30-tonne hydraulic press, and cannabis-growing equipment.
The Peers family were associates of Ricky Lee and the Gresty brothers, who were jailed in November 2023 for a combined total of 28 years for involvement in the same conspiracy. The gang operated across North Lane and surrounding areas, owning several houses used for their illegal drug trade.
Detective Constable Steven Walker of the GMP Challenger Team said, “We believe these men have run this criminal enterprise for years. Their sentences reflect the brutal impact illegal drugs have on our communities. We are committed to smashing the drugs trade and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
A Proceeds of Crime Hearing is scheduled for later this year as Greater Manchester Police continue their efforts to combat organised crime in the region.
Originally published by UKNIP.
