THE jury in the case of two alleged ringleaders of a drugs gang known as The Firm, were expected to retire today to consider their verdicts.

Father-of-five Matthew Glover and dad-of-two Anthony Lockwood are said to be the main players in a gang which operated large scale drugs supply racket throughout the north of England.

The alleged gang which operated between September 1999 and February 2001 was smashed by a national crime squad operation codenamed Norfolk, during which Class A drugs with a street value of up to £2million were seized.

Both Glover, 39, of Foxstones Lane, Cliviger, and Lockwood, 41, of Stocks Lane, Middup, near Gisburn, who were arrested in February last year, deny three charges of conspiracy to supply ecstasy, amphetamine sulphate and cannabis resin.

Closing the case for the prosecution at Preston Crown Court, Charles Chruscz QC, said: "Matthew Glover is the managing director of The Firm although he kept himself at a distance from the dirty work, he controlled the business.

"Lockwood was not a street courier who takes big risks but he was close in to making sure the transactions took place."

Earlier, the court heard that Glover enjoyed an affluent lifestyle though he claimed he was just a traveller who earned a living by selling a variety of goods including cars, tobacco and jewellery. He claimed that he had won a £100,000 worth of Rolex watches at a snooker game in a Burnley club.

Lockwood, who the court heard enjoyed less of an affluent lifestyle, claimed he made a living by selling second-hand electrical items.

(Proceeding)