Police launch hunt for fugitive drug dealers

ON THE RUN . . . Gang members Sonny Elms (left) and Paul Heaton

FUGITIVE drug dealers who went on the run as members of their gang were locked up for more than 20 years are being hunted by police.

The public are being urged not to approach Sonny Elms and Paul Heaton, who have links to Failsworth, but dial 999 immediately.

Elms (24) and Heaton (26), both from Blackley, have been described by police as the 'ringleaders' of a drugs gang convicted of plotting to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Both men failed to appear at York Crown Court in February, where they were due to be sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Warrants have been issued for their arrest.

Appeal

They are now facing 'considerable prison sentences'. Five other gang members from Greater Manchester received jail terms ranging from 18 months to more than six years.

Elms, of Mansfield Road, and Heaton, of Sidney Road, also have links to Moston and Cheetham Hill, North Yorkshire Police said as they issued a fresh appeal for help to find them.

The force believe both men have 'gone into hiding in the Greater Manchester area'.

Detective Sergeant Ryan Chapman said: "Elms and Heaton were part of an organised crime gang that deliberately targeted the Yorkshire coast and committed serious offences. Despite being at the heart of this operation, Heaton and Elms did not attend court. Both men are facing considerable prison sentences."

Elms is described as 6ft tall with dark eyes and blond hair, which he often shaves. Heaton 5ft 11in tall with blue eyes and short hair. Police said he speaks with a Manchester accent.

The gang was brought to justice following an extensive police investigation over three years. The offences took place in 2013 and 2014. Four men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Jack Ashcroft (28), of Dean Brook Close, Moston, was jailed for six years, three months.

Ashley Farnell (22), of The Fairway, New Moston, was jailed for three years, four months and Drew McCormick (20) of Lynthorpe Road, New Moston, got two-and-a-half years.

Jamie McKenna (19) of Edgeware Road, Oldham, was locked up for 18 months.

A fifth man, Blaise Woolfe (25) of Stockton Drive, Failsworth, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Police said of Elms and Heaton: "Any immediate sightings should be reported on 999. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."