A drugs gang that flooded Preston with cocaine has been jailed for nearly 50 years, with the ringleader receiving a lengthy sentence
Preston: A gang that was flooding the streets with cocaine has been taken down. Seven members are now facing a total of nearly 50 years in prison. The police had been keeping a close eye on them from April 2022 to March 2023.
At the helm was Daniel Roccia, who roped in family and friends to help with his drug operation. They brought in several kilos of cocaine, which was then split up for sale in Preston and nearby towns like Carnforth and Carlisle.
Throughout the investigation, the police seized blocks of high-purity cocaine at different points. Roccia, 36, from Leyland, finally pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs just as his trial was about to start last May. He got a hefty sentence of 12 years and four months last week.
During the hearing, he admitted to moving around 8kg of cocaine. Alongside him, six others were sentenced by Judge Richard Archer, all of whom also pleaded guilty to the same charges at various stages.
David Taylor, 38, got seven years and six months, while Dean Roccia, 42, received seven years and two months. Jodie Roccia, 28, was sentenced to six years and 10 months, and Andrew Lockhart, 31, got five years and nine months. Darren Stanley, 54, was handed five years, and Danielle Walton, 35, received four years and 11 months.
Craig Whittle, 44, pleaded guilty to allowing his place to be used for storing drugs and having an offensive weapon. He got a 24-week sentence, but it’s suspended for 12 months.
Det Sgt Stuart Dean from Lancashire Police said this was a complicated investigation involving a lot of people, many of whom were family. He expressed satisfaction with the sentences, emphasizing the serious impact of illegal drugs on communities.
He also thanked the Crown Prosecution Service for their collaboration over the past 18 months to bring this case to court. There’s more to come, as another sentencing hearing is set for February for other individuals involved in the conspiracy.
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