An Accrington man who sold drugs to “vulnerable people” across Hyndburn has been jailed.Declan Cook, was first stopped by police in January 2024 when he was driving his Volkswagen Passat near to Mount Camel High School just prior to the children finishing for the day.Lancashire Constabulary officers approached the vehicle and noticed a strong smell of cannabis.Following a search of the vehicle, a quantity of the drug was discovered underneath the driver’s seat, which he attempted to claim was for personal use.He was arrested on suspicion of supplying cannabis.Later that month, Cook was again stopped, this time driving a Volkswagen Golf on Cobham Road in Accrington. Upon searching him and the vehicle, two snap bags containing white powder, and two snap bags containing cannabis were found.The white powder was later confirmed to be cocaine.He was again arrested in July 2024, after evidence linking him to the supply of cannabis was discovered.At the time, he had cannabis, weighing scales and two mobile phones.After examining his phones, the force found several messages advertising cannabis and cocaine for sale.These messages showed that Cook had been involved in drug supply since as early as December 2023. The scales seized contained traces of cocaine and cannabis.Following a consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Cook, 30, of Stanley Street, Accrington, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis and concerned in the supply of cannabis.On September 5, Cook was sentenced to three years and six months at Burnley Crown Court.PC Paul Wolstenholme, of Blackburn Police said: “The behaviour of Declan Cook is not something we tolerate in our county. Cook attempted to cover his tracks by lying and saying the drugs were for personal use, instead of the truth which was that he was supplying them to vulnerable people across Hyndburn.“I hope he now has time to reflect on his actions during his custodial sentence.”Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.The operation aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large-scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud.A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said: “If you believe that someone may be involved in drug activity in your area, please do the responsible thing and report it.“You can call 101, or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.“If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is ongoing, please always call 999.”

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