Drug dealer found with ammunition hidden inside home in Warrington jailed for 18 months

A class B drug dealer has been jailed after police found ammunition hidden inside the home he shared with his brother in Latchford.

Stephen Leah, of Southworth Avenue in Bewsey and Whitecross, also had drug paraphernalia, numerous ‘graft’ phones and a quantity of cannabis at the flat.

The 23-year-old was arrested alongside his brother, Marc Leah, after police executed a warrant at the address on Banks Crescent on 9 April 2020.

A through search of the property located two Rimfire rounds of ammunition and six shotgun cartridges concealed within a carrier bag and placed beneath the sink in the kitchen.

Scales, deal bags and a quantity of cash were also found during the search.

Detectives conducted analysis on seven mobile phones to find three of the phones contained messages, photos and videos related to drug dealing along with a dealers list.

On Friday 23 July at Chester Crown Court Stephen Leah was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply cannabis and possession of ammunition.

His brother, aged 21, admitted to possession of ammunition and was issued an £85 fine at Warrington Magistrates Court.

Detective Constable Rob Thorpe said: “The items seized inside the flat, and the subsequent analysis from the three mobile phones, showed clear evidence of Stephen Leah’s involvement as a mid-level dealer of cannabis.

“Stephen Leah made a concerted effort to conceal the ammunition inside a bag underneath the kitchen sink, in the property he shared with his brother. He clearly believed it would never be found and police would never conduct a raid at the address to find the subsequent paraphernalia.

“Leah could see the evidence was stacked up against him, he had no option but to admit to his crimes and face the consequences of his actions.”