Drug gang used ice cream shops and shed firm to hide dirty cash

ICE cream parlours, a takeaway, and a shed-making firm have all been used by a drugs ring to launder huge sums of money made by dealing cocaine.

- STEPHEN TOPPING

The gang enjoyed a lavish lifestyle from their earnings with flashy cars and designer clothes until they were rumbled by police and brought to justice.

Seven men have been for their roles in the conspiracy, which was brought down by anti-gang cops.

Following a six-week trial, the group will serve a combined seven decades behind bars.

During the trial, the court was told about a police investigation codenamed Operation Trinket, with specialist staff carrying out intensive surveillance before officers raided properties across Wigan on the morning of July 20, 2018.

They included the homes of Paul Witter and his wife Jane Witter, Marc Talbot, his brother Michael Talbot and Marc's son Cameron Talbot.

Hundreds of items were seized for examination - including quantities of drugs, cash, mobile phones, and SIM cards, along with hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of assets seized under Proceeds of Crime Act powers. These included designer clothing, jewellery, and prestige vehicles.