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A convicted gangster from Conwy has been jailed for 11 years at Caernarfon Crown Court for running a drugs gang.

John Gizzi, 39, from St George near Abergele, admitted conspiring to bring cocaine into Wales.

Nine other men from Towyn, Rhyl, Kinmel Bay and Liverpool were imprisoned for between four-and-a-half and nine years for their part.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC told Gizzi - who was once described as a bully and thug - he had a 'primary role' in the gang.

In 2006 millionaire Gizzi was jailed for five-and-a-half years after a trial heard he was a "thug" and "bully" who assaulted homeless people and preyed on the weak and vulnerable in the Rhyl area.

His sentence was later extended when he was ordered to repay £2.6m under a Proceeds of Crime Act ruling.

He was eventually freed in March 2009 after a judge at Mold Crown Court heard he had repaid £1m, after all his assets were sold.

His latest cocaine crimes were uncovered following an undercover police operation which at one stage discovered £29,000 stuffed under the seat of a car.

Police also found cocaine with a street value of £162,000 when they stopped a taxi at Queensferry in April last year.

The judge said anybody who is associated with the supply of Class A drugs should expect a serious prison sentence.

"You played a primary role in the organisation which brought significant quantities of cocaine into north Wales," he told Gizzi.

He now faces a fresh proceeds of crime application to seize assets he ganed through his activities.

Gizzi, a builder, led a millionaire lifestyle until a previous jail term for violence and cigarette smuggling which led to a confiscation order.

He country mansion, complete with a leisure complex with swimming pool, gymnasium and tennis courts. was put on the market for £1.75m.

'Distress and misery'

His Bentley, Range Rover and Mercedes cars were also sold.

Kenneth Cain, 34, of Liverpool, was jailed for nine years after admitting conspiracy.

He must also serve a year more of a previous ten-year prison term, consecutively.

The judge said he was "closely involved in the wholesale supply from Liverpool to north Wales".

Suzanne Thomas, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Wales complex case unit, said the sentences "reflect the seriousness of the criminal activity that these ten men were engaged in".

"This result is a product of an extensive and detailed investigation led by North Wales police, followed by a professional and thorough prosecution led by the CPS," she said.

"As a result of this partnership approach, ten members of a dangerous drugs gang have been removed from the streets."

Ms Thomas addd that organised drug gangs such as this bring "distress and misery to local communities".

"The message must go out that we will work with our police colleagues to do everything in our power to ensure that offenders are made to face the consequences of their actions," she added.