Gang members who supplied Spice in Wrexham jailed

Members of a drugs gang who helped supply the drug Spice in Wrexham have been jailed.

Three men and a woman admitted to conspiracy to supply Spice.

Joshua Partyka, 26, of Goodwood Grove, Wrexham, accused of also possessing Spice-sprayed paper with intent to supply to jail inmates, was sent to prison for six years.

James Dunn, 42, of Churton Drive, Wrexham, nicknamed “James Mamba” and described as the frontman who would hand over drugs to customers, was jailed for two years and eight months. He also pleaded guilty to twice possessing drugs at court. His lawyer said they were to “tide him over” in custody.

Daniel Jones, 20, of Moorland Avenue, Wrexham, was locked up for two years.

Lorna Jones, 26, of Churton Drive, Wrexham, said by the prosecution to have been in a relationship with Partyka and to have banked more than £25,000 while unemployed, received a two-year suspended prison sentence. She must obey a ten-month 9pm-6am curfew and undertake rehabilitation.

Judge Rhys Rowlands at Mold Crown Court said the widespread use of Spice caused ordinary people of all ages “to feel very uncomfortable and often afraid to venture out.”

He said :”There’s a need to send out a message to those who peddle such misery that custodial sentences will follow.”

Prosecuting barrister Anna Pope said a police investigation began in response to the increased use of Spice in Wrexham town centre. “It’s had a huge effect on the community in Wrexham,” she said. Users had been acting like “zombies.”

The conspiracy went from August 2015 to last December. Partyka also supplied Spice to serving prisoners using paper documents containing a photograph of a motorbike and liquid Spice sprayed on the paper in a “sophisticated” operation,” the prosecutor said.

There was a contact in Liverpool’s Walton jail and a phone message referring to making a lot of money.

The drugs factory was in a garden shed.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of £15,340 from Partyka. His barrister argued it wasn’t a sophisticated operation.

“This type of offending is completely out of character,” added Phillip Tully, defending.