Two Accrington men jailed over class A drugs conspiracy

Head of the conspiracy Hasnain Ashraf, 34, and runner Joseph Oakes, 23, were sent down along with Ashraf’s right-hand man Lewis Lord, 23, and drugs ‘cook’ Lloyd Spencer, 40.

Lancashire Police’s Operation Quantum conducted an investigation into the supply of class A drugs in the Accrington area and found supply being facilitated through the Max drug line.

Hasnain Ashraf (Image: Lancashire Police)

Eleanor Watson, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said the line had three phone numbers associated with it during its period of operation, the first being activated in September 2022, the second in January 2023, and the third in May 2023.

Evidence showed the head of the line was Ashraf, also known as ‘Nanny’, and that he sourced drugs from Spencer in the areas of Blackburn and Cheetham Hill, Manchester.

Ashraf and Lord recruited others to assist in the operation by dealing across Accrington or allowing their addresses to be used for onward supply or for drug preparation.

Lewis Lord (Image: Lancashire Police)This related to another defendant, Paul Moxham, 50, who worked as a bagger from his address in Altham West.

Evidence found Oakes worked as a runner for the line and another defendant, Sameer Amin, 31, admitted dealing drugs but was not involved in the conspiracy.

Amin instead pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Evidence found by the police on phones seized from the defendants showed videos of Lord and Oakes in possession of a large amount of class A drugs and cash.

Joseph Oakes (Image: Lancashire Police)

On February 16, 2023, a bulk message was sent out to 100 users advertising drugs.

A further video was found of Lord and Oakes aiding Moxham in the bagging up of drugs.

A further East Lancashire man, Aston Johnson, 20, was also involved in the conspiracy.

The pleas entered were as follows:

• Hasnain Ashraf, of Frederick Street, Accrington – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine
• Joseph Oakes, of no fixed abode in Accrington – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin
• Aston Johnson, of Brear Vale, Oswaldtwistle – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin
• Paul Moxham, of Whalley Road, Altham West – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin
• Lewis Lord, of South Square, Blackpool – pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin
• Lloyd Spencer, of Hawkshead Road, Manchester – Pleaded guilty to participating in criminal activities with an organised crime group
• Sameer Amin, of Hovey Close, Manchester – pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession with intent to supply class A drugs

Nicholas Roxborough, for Ashraf, said his client was not the originator of the Max Line and was taking commands from those above him in the chain.

He also stressed Ashraf was the first to start the domino effect of guilty pleas being entered, otherwise a trial would have been heard in respect of all the defendants aside from Moxham, who entered his pleas at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Roxborogh also appeared for Lord and said his client was going through a tough time during the offending and turned to destructive behaviours.

Zara Baqri, for Johnson, said her client took instructions from Lord and nobody else. She said he had shown a “degree of immaturity” by becoming involved.

Sentencing was due to take place in August but was delayed by an application from Johnson to vacate his pleas.

Lloyd Spencer (Image: Lancashire Police)

A hearing took place but he did not end up vacating his pleas.

Judge Andrew Jeffries, sentencing, said: “All of you, save for Amin, were involved in a conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine locally.

“Ashraf, you led this organised crime group, albeit under instructions from those higher up in the chain. Lord, you were the right-hand man.

“You were more than a dealer, you were assisting in running the conspiracy. You held the drugs line and both of you recruited and employed others.

“Spencer, you were a cook. Johnson, Oakes, Moxham, you were baggers and street dealers.

Preston Crown Court Sessions House (Image: Archive)

“Amin, it was decided you were not part of this conspiracy.”

Ashraf and Lord received the longest sentences of 10 years and four months, and eight years and nine months, respectively.

Oakes was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, while Spencer received three years and nine months.

Johnson, due to his age, was given a two-year detention suspended for two years and ordered to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Moxham and Amin both received two-year prison sentences suspended for two years.

Moxham must complete 30 rehabilitation activity days and attend a three-month drug rehabilitation requirement. Amin must complete 200 hours of unpaid work.