Manchester 'Scooter' gang used Blackpool hotels to peddle their crimes and bring misery to community

A Greater Manchester-based drugs gang used hotel rooms in Blackpool to peddle crack cocaine and heroin out onto the streets of the seaside town. Five men and a woman have now been jailed after a covert police operation brought them to justice.

The gang - who called themselves the 'Scooter' group - ran heroin and crack into Blackpool from Manchester using the rail network, police said.

They also used various different cars to move large volumes of drugs, before setting up in hotel rooms where they distributed deals. The gang was brought down after an investigation codenamed Operation Banshee running from Blackpool Police Station.

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As part of the investigation, officers seized crack cocaine and heroin worth £12,500; £3,500 in cash; a machete, two knives, 22 mobile phones, designer clothing and jewellery.

PC Rachel Plant said: "This is a great result and should show how committed we are to taking drug dealers off the streets while offering support to those suffering as a result of drug misuse.

"This gang exploited vulnerable members of the community for their own financial gain, they do not care about the consequences their actions have on those to whom they supply, or the effects it has on our town."

The final members of the gang were sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Friday, September 22.

Ian Angus, 37, of Cornwall Drive, Bury, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Police believe he was a gang leader, in partnership with his younger brother, Ryan Angus. Ian Angus was jailed for six years and nine months.

Ryan