County lines drug dealer jailed for more than five years

A county lines drug dealer who was found with around 315 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in his coat pocket has been jailed for more than five years.

Michael Shawcross, 38, of Tennyson Street, Bootle appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 8 December where he was sentenced to five years and seven months imprisonment for possession with intent to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The court heard how police became aware of Shawcross after officers conducted a warrant on Cartwright Street – a property owned by Shawcross.

During the warrant Shawcross admitted to officers that he had something on his possession.

Following a search, officers found around 315 wraps of brown and white powder along with £915 in cash.

A search of the address found several wraps of drugs, four mobile phones and cash.

Shawcross was arrested and brought into custody. During an interview with police, Shawcross confirmed the drugs were for the onward sale to others and that this was done by word of mouth and not by using mobile phones.

A drug expert tested the powder which turned out to be heroin and crack cocaine all with a potential street value of £3,290.

Shawcross was subsequently charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A (crack cocaine and heroin).

Detective Sergeant Tom Hall said: “This is a great result and sees another drug dealer off the streets of Warrington.

“This investigation is part of an ongoing crackdown on county lines drug dealing in the town and hope that it acts as a warning to criminals who think that they can target our area with illegal activity.

“I would like to thank the officers that worked on this case and helped bring Shawcross to justice while helping to remove a large quantity of crack cocaine and heroin that were heading to the streets of Warrington.

“We will continue with our work in making our town a hostile environment for people like Shawcross but I would urge that the public help us too – any information we receive is vital in our fight against drugs.”

Anyone with information in relation to illegal drug activity in their community is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report it via the Cheshire Police website.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or report via the Crimestoppers website.