Three men have been sentenced to almost 12 years in prison, for their part in a county lines drugs gang which operated between Chester and Rhyl.

Kyle Scanu, Mataleco Kessley and Dex Goffri were all sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 19 December after earlier pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).

Scanu, 21, of Orchard Court, Chester, was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison.

Kessley, aged 22 of Thomas Street, Woodhouse, Leeds, was jailed for 45 months.

Goffri, 21, of Wortley Towers, Farnley, Leeds, was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

The court heard how the trio were all members of a county lines gang who were supplying heroin and cocaine in Chester and Rhyl between 31 May and 6 October 2023.

The investigation into the group began in July 2023 and during their enquiries officers established that Scanu was the manager of the gang.

Kessley and Goffri both played significant roles.

Between them, the group used three 'graft' phones which they used to send flare messages advertising the sale of illegal drugs.

During their enquiries officers also safeguarded two children who featured within the investigation.

Following a detailed investigation all three men were subsequently charged with two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Richard Connolley, of Chester Proactive CID, said: "It was clear during our investigation that the Black Felix gang were key players in the supply of illegal drugs in the Chester and North Wales areas and I welcome the sentences that have been handed to them.

"While this gang is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs is ongoing and we will do everything in our power to remove gangs like this from our streets to bring an end to the misery drugs bring to local communities.

"I would urge anyone with any concerns about illegal drug activity in their community to get in touch with Cheshire Police on 101."