January 9, 2019 1.30 pm This story is over 71 months old

Final drugs gang member jailed for over five years

The gang’s total combined jail term is 48 years

Lauren Griffin, 25, has been sentenced to five years and 10 months in jail. Photo: Humberside Police

The final member of a Manchester drugs gang who sold crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Grimsby has been put behind bars.

Lauren Griffin, 25, of Biddisham Walk, Manchester has been sentenced to five years and 10 months in jail. This takes the total jail term of the eight gang members to 48 years.

As previously reported, Lauren’s brother Billy was recently jailed for four years and 10 months earlier this week after the pair had absconded.

Lauren and Billy Griffin. Photo: Humberside Police

They had been on the run since the other six gang members were sentenced at Hull Crown Court in December 2018. The pair “panicked” and absconded from court before they could be sentenced, but they were later arrested in the Greater Manchester area.

On December 21, Lauren was said to be too ill to appear before the court, but she has now been sentenced.

Police operation

They have been jailed for a combined total of over 37 years. Photo: Humberside Police

As a result of the operation police recovered thousands of pounds in cash, as well as heroin and crack cocaine to the value of almost £8,500.

All eight gang members admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin between October 2015 and October 2016.

They ran the operation via addresses in Hainton Avenue, Thorgam Court, Farebrother Street, Freeman Street, Sussex Street, and St Augustine Avenue.

Officers spent the last three years gathering evidence to piece together a case.

Drugs were also seized. Photo: Humberside Police

Cash was recovered during a search. Photo: Humberside Police

Heroin to the value of £3,710 was found. Photo: Humberside Police

Detective Steve Elliott said: “Like every force in the country, tackling the supply and misuse of drugs by organised gangs is a high priority for us.

“We know the impact the resulting crime and antisocial behaviour has on our communities and it’s not something we’re prepared to tolerate.

“We work closely with neighbouring forces and the National Crime Agency to share vital information and intelligence and we have built up a really good understanding of how Organised Crime Groups work.”