A CROWN Court date has been set for five people charged in connection with an alleged plot to import heroin.
The group is accused of conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug, with the alleged offences taking place between November 2021, and March 2022.
The conspiracy to import charge falls under section 170 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, and section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977. The conspiracy to import charge is indictable only.
The suspects charged include Kelly Clayton, 39, of Chiltern Road Parr; Gareth Lunt, 39, of Catterall Avenue, Sutton Leach; Jayne Blatherwick, 39, of Stirling Crescent, Marshalls Cross; and Lauren Noonan, 39, of Dinorben Avenue, Sutton.
Meanwhile, Gareth Jones, 42, of HMP Lancaster Farms, has also been charged.
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In addition to the importation charges, Lunt and Jones face further allegations related to drug supply and firearms offences.
They are accused of conspiring to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence between May 2022, and July 2022.
Both men are also charged with supplying heroin and cocaine, producing and supplying cannabis, and possession of heroin with intent to supply.
These alleged offences are said to have taken place between November 2021, and July 2022.
Lunt and Jones are alleged to have been in possession of heroin with intent to supply at an address in Clock Face on July 26, 2022.
The charges were brought as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.
All five defendants appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court this afternoon, Wednesday, August 19, for a first hearing.
They are due to next appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Wednesday, September 16.
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