Former Wigan Athletic star labelled 'a major player in the drugs world' during court hearing

Ex-Wigan player involved in large scale conspiracy to supply cocaine

Former Wigan Athletic star Chris McCann has been labelled "a major player in the drugs world" during a court hearing.

The 36-year-old, who made over 200 appearances for the Latics, was arrested in April 2022 as part of a large-scale police operation targeting an organised crime group.

McCann was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine

McCann appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday (February 10) where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

The court heard that McCann was part of a conspiracy to supply "significant" quantities of cocaine between January 2020 and April 2022.

Prosecutor David McLachlan said that McCann was "a major player in the drugs world" and that he had played a "leading role" in the conspiracy.

The court also heard that McCann had previous convictions for drug offences, including possession of cocaine with intent to supply in 2018.

McCann was released on bail

McCann was released on bail and is due to be sentenced on March 17.

Detective Inspector John Morgan, of Merseyside Police, said: "This was a significant operation which has resulted in the arrest of a number of individuals who were involved in the supply of cocaine."

"We are committed to tackling serious and organised crime and will continue to work with our partners to bring offenders to justice."

Wigan Athletic have not yet commented on the news.