Four men have been jailed for their roles in an organised drug dealing gang targeting Anglesey and Gwynedd.

Police carried out a series of raids last Autumn following an eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Macondo into the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis in the region.

Four members of the gang were sentenced to a total of 28 years.

On 10th November 2025, officers stopped a vehicle driven by Joseph McCormack (34) of Bootle, which had travelled from Anglesey to Merseyside carrying £20,000 in cash.

On the same day, police raided the home of Gareth Trevor Rowlands in Llanfairpwll, where over £120,000 worth of criminally acquired luxury assets were seized, along with a further £90,000 cash.

Four days later, a large 3kg haul of cannabis worth around £28,000 was found in another vehicle, which was being driven by Steven Powell in Greater Manchester.

2kg of cocaine was discovered during a search at his home in Stockport, with an estimated street value of £120,000.

Ten people were arrested the following month during a co-ordinated series of raids acoss North Wales, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, with a further £9,000 in cash seized.

In total, the investigation led to the recovery of significant amounts of Class A and Class B drugs, cash and high-value assets worth nearly £390,000.

At Mold Crown Court, seven of the eight men convicted for their roles in the gang were sentenced.

Rowlands (52) was jailed for eleven years and three months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis and possessing criminal property.

Powell (62) was jailed for ten years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

Darren Horton (54) of Menai Bridge was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.

Steven Williams (34) of Caernarfon was sentenced to three years and two months in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Four men were given suspended sentences:

• Joseph McCormick (34) of Bootle - one year for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, possessing MDMA and criminal property
• Craig Harris (52) of Llanfairpwll - nine months, suspended for a year, for conspriacy to supply cannabis
• Dennis Edwads (22) of Llandudno Junction - two years and three months, suspended for three yeas for conspiracy to supply cannabis and possessing criminal property
• Dafydd Hughes (51) of Y Felinheli - three years for conspiracy to supply cocaine

Reacting to the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Tracey Llewellyn said: “These individuals have been a burden on our communities for years and have caused an untold amount of harm to many vulnerable individuals."

“"As well as the substantial sentences that were handed down, our investigation resulted in significant high-value drug seizures, which ensured that these illegal substances were taken off the streets."

"Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on communities, so cutting off supplies and removing those responsible for drug dealing from our communities is of huge importance to us."

"Partnership working has been central to our operational success, and we will continue to work proactively and relentlessly to identify, disrupt, and pursue those suspected of involvement in drug supply in our cities, towns and villages."

"As a force, it remains our priority to fight, prevent and reduce organised crime that blights communities."

"We would urge anyone who has any information regarding drug dealing or other organised crimes taking place in their communities to come forward so we can get dangerous individuals off the street."