Six individuals linked to an organised crime group (OCG) involved in large-scale cannabis production and supply across North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire have been handed significant prison terms totalling 34 years.
The convictions were secured as part of Operation Executive, a protracted investigation spearheaded by North Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime Unit (OCU), aimed at dismantling the extensive cannabis cultivation and distribution network operating over a span of two years.
The sentencing hearings took place at Leeds Crown Court over two days, Friday, May 24, and Monday, June 3. The defendants had previously been found guilty or pleaded guilty to a range of charges related to their involvement in the criminal enterprise.
Among the key individuals sentenced were:
- Alan Barker, aged 56, residing in Woodlands, Long Drax, Selby, was convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis, conspiracy to supply cannabis, possession of a Section 5 firearm (a sawn-off shotgun), and refusing to provide pin or password for an electronic device. He received a sentence of nine years and nine months imprisonment.
- Gary Barker, aged 53, of Spring Bank Drive, Liversidge, was found guilty of conspiracy to produce cannabis, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and refusing to provide pin or password for an electronic device. He was sentenced to six years and three months‘ imprisonment.
- Steven Annis, aged 40, residing at Boothferry Road, Goole, was convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis and conspiracy to supply cannabis, receiving a sentence of five years and six months’ imprisonment.
- James Dalton, aged 40, residing in Hillside, Byram, was found guilty of conspiracy to produce cannabis and conspiracy to supply cannabis and was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment.
- Kastriot Molla, aged 44, of First Avenue, Halifax, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cannabis and received a sentence of three years and six months’ imprisonment.
- Michael Demes, aged 55, residing at Willow Crescent, Thorne, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cannabis and sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment.
In addition to the six main perpetrators, several others involved in the conspiracy faced legal consequences, including community orders, suspended prison sentences, and unpaid work orders.
The successful prosecution and sentencing of these individuals represent a significant blow to the illicit drug trade in the region, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks involved in drug production and distribution.
