Blackpool men suspected of drugs offences appear in court after police raids

Police believe they are involved in a Blackpool drugs gang that has conspired to supply heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis across the resort and the Fylde coast.

Today (November 24), the following suspects appeared at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court.

Philip O’Hagan, 26, of Hammerton Place, Blackpool is alleged to have been involved in street dealing heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis over an eleven month period.

He was remanded in custody and his cases sent to Preston Crown Court.

Dylan Ragnall, 19, of Shenstone Road also Blackpool faces the same offences. Ragnall’s lawyer Steven Townley said his client denied being involved in drug dealing.

He was bailed and must keep a curfew and not contact any of his co-accused.

Both men will appear at the higher court on Tuesday, December 20 – along with seven other suspects charged as part of a police investigation codenamed Operation Warrior.

On Wednesday (November 23), Brian Dennison, 24, of Chipping Grove, Blackpool and two 17-year old youths were brought before Blackpool Magistrates.

All three are accused of conspiracy to supply heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis over a ten month period. The youths – from Blackpool – cannot be named for legal reasons.

And on Tuesday (November 22), four other men were – believed to be among the ‘middle management’ of a Blackpool drugs gang – were brought before Magistrates.

They are: Corben Morgan, 18, Gorton Street, Blackpool – J-jay McLachlan, 19, Easington Crescent, Blackpool – Christen Astin, 34, Sherbourne Road, Blackpool and Harold Phillips, 34, Bibby Drive, Blackpool.

They are all also charged with conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

All nine suspects were arrested after a series of raids across Blackpool which saw police search 12 homes and seize suspected Class A and B drugs, as well as cash.

Police also confirmed a further three people – two men and a woman – were arrested in the resort on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug this morning.

They were taken into custody and are expected to appear at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Friday, November 5).

You can watch a video of the Blackpool police raids in our video player and read more about the arrests here.