A DRUG kingpin who fled the UK after his fingerprints were found on a brick of cocaine has been jailed for almost a decade.

Jake Dougherty, 33, of High Street in Worsbrough Bridge, and Lee Harris, of HMP Lancaster, ran a ‘drug empire’ which saw them distribute dozens of kilos of cocaine and heroin across the UK.

In November 2022, a kilogram block of cocaine was recovered from a vehicle stop in Wath-upon-Dearne, with forensic analysis revealing Dougherty’s fingerprints on the packaging.

He subsequently fled the country and it was not until March 2025 that he was tracked by officers to a hotel in Pontefract.

He was swiftly arrested, and a search of the hotel room resulted in the recovery of a key piece of evidence which would unlock the case - a mobile phone.

Digital forensic work carried out by the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit uncovered a trove of messages incriminating Dougherty in the distribution of multi-kilogram amounts of cocaine and heroin.

Not only did these messages show the scale of Dougherty’s offending, but they also linked Lee Harris to the operation.

Messages between the two detailed plans to supply drugs, as well as information about previous deals including the amounts of money that had been making and significant debts the pair owed.

Dougherty, who was arrested following an initial police probe, was bailed by officers to allow for further enquiries.

But instead of answering his bail, he made a desperate bid for freedom by trying to escape the UK.

His plans were cut short thanks to swift action by British Transport Police officers, who tracked Dougherty down and arrested him on board a train bound for Amsterdam.

Dougherty pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin and two counts of being concerned in the supply cocaine.

Harris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin.

Further counts relating to Dougherty and Harris conspiring together to supply ketamine and Dougherty being concerned in the supply of ketamine and cocaine were ordered to lie on file.

At a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, Dougherty was sentenced to nine years and nine months imprisonment and Harris was jailed for 12 years.

Detective Constable Steven Parker, who was the officer in charge of this case, said: “This was a complex investigation spanning several years and I am happy that this has resulted in substantial sentences for both men.

“Dougherty and Harris viewed themselves as being untouchable, funnelling harmful drugs across the UK with the sole purpose of making money.

“However, through joint-working across forces and agencies, this case has proved that no-one is out of reach.

“I hope this result serves as a warning to anyone involved in the production, supply or dealing of drugs that the lifestyle and cash can soon disappear and that we will find you and bring you to justice.

“We have dedicated teams working diligently everyday gathering intelligence on the supply of drugs in South Yorkshire.

“Your information is also vital in helping us secure warrants and uncover drug enterprises. I would urge the public to report any concerns to us.”

Detective Inspector Chris Rukin, of West Yorkshire Police’s Programme Precision team, added: “Despite being given a lengthy prison term for large-scale drugs supply offences, Harris continued to think of himself as untouchable and carried on running his criminal enterprise from behind bars.

“He hadn’t bargained on the determination of specialist detectives both here and in South Yorkshire who were able to combine our efforts to ensure he was brought to justice again.

“We hope the significant additional prison sentence he has now been given will serve as a stark reminder to others who think they can continue to profit from the misery that the supply of Class A drugs brings both to our communities and to individual users and their families.”