Police swoop on Llandudno retail park busted open heroin and cocaine network in Conwy resorts
A police swoop at a town centre retail park busted open a County Line drug network supplying heroin and crack cocaine into two Conwy resorts. The illicit operation targeted drug users in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay with daily deals such as “four for 30 happy hour”.
Two drug dealers from the Bolton, Greater Manchester, have been jailed for their part in the network. Nathan Quinn, 28, and Jamie Williams, 21., managed a County Line that, in February 2024, began bringing in Class A drugs into Conwy county from Manchester. New customers were offered discounts.
The pair were identified by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) as part of Operation Constantine. This was a covert investigation by North Wales Police (NWP) aimed at tackling County Lines operating in Conwy.
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On May 1, Quinn and Williams were stopped by police after they identified a hire vehicle being driven by the pair in Llandudno Retail Park. They were found in possession of bladed weapons, drugs, a significant amount of cash and a false ID.
Also recovered was a “graft phone” linked to the pair that was being used to run the line. A graft phone is one kept away from the area where the drugs are sold.
Quinn and Williams were arrested. A search of Williams later resulted in a significant number of individual wraps of crack cocaine and heroin being seized.
Quinn, of King Street, Bradshaw, Bolton, was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and driving whilst disqualified. Williams, of no fixed abode, but from the Bolton area, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
The pair admitted the offences when they appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing today (Thursday, November 21). Quinn was jailed for four years while Williams was handed jailed for two years and four-months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Gemma Mary Smith of SOCU said: “County lines drug dealing is linked to the most serious violence, which causes misery and fear in our communities. “I welcome today’s sentencing and hope this case provides reassurance to the local community that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug-related crime in North Wales.
“Information from the public is vital in breaking down organised crime and we urge members of our communities to speak up to enable us to make North Wales the safest place to live, work and visit.”
If you have any concerns about drug dealing in your area, or you think someone could be at risk of exploitation, contact the police on 101 or via the NWP website,. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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