An organised crime group operating across Gwynedd and Anglesey has been dismantled following a long-running investigation, resulting in a combined 28-year prison sentence for its members.
Operation Macondo
The investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Macondo’, spanned eight months and focused on the supply of both Class A and Class B drugs. Police activity intensified in November 2025, when officers intercepted a vehicle travelling from Anglesey to Merseyside, seizing £20,000 in cash.
Further warrants executed across North Wales, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside led to significant seizures. In one instance, a search of a vehicle driven by Steven Powell uncovered 3kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of £28,000, while a subsequent search of his home revealed 2kg of cocaine valued at up to £120,000.
Sentencing Outcomes
At Mold Crown Court on 20 July, seven members were sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy to supply drugs between February and November 2025. Key sentences included:
* Gareth Trevor Rowlands: 11 years and three months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. * Steven Powell: 10 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. * Darren Horton: Three years and seven months for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
In total, the operation resulted in the recovery of nearly £390,000 in cash, luxury assets, and illicit substances.
Detective Chief Inspector Tracey Llewellyn of North Wales Police stated: "These individuals have been a burden on our communities for years and have caused an untold amount of harm. Our investigation resulted in significant high-value drug seizures, which ensured that these illegal substances were taken off the streets."
Police are encouraging anyone with information regarding drug dealing in their area to contact the force directly or report anonymously via independent channels.
Source: North Wales Police
