Drug dealer jailed following successful stop and search in Runcorn

A Runcorn man who was caught red handed dealing drugs has been jailed.

At around 3.30pm on Wednesday 28 April plain-clothed officers on patrol in Runcorn Old Town witnessed Simon Johansen acting suspiciously in an area that addicts are known to go to in order to buy drugs.

Officers attempted to speak to the 30-year-old on Ellesmere Road, but he attempted to make off on foot. 

Police pursued Johansen and he was subsequently arrested as he tried to enter a flat on Bridge Street.

He was searched at the scene and found to be possession of cannabis. 

During a search of the flat Johansen’s had attempted to enter on Bridge Street officers recovered almost £5000 of cannabis and more than £2000 in cash.

While searching the flat officers also arrested Narelle Crilly who was present at the address.

The 34-year-old was later charged with being concerned in the supply of class B drugs, while Johansen was charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis).

The pair subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges against them. 

Johansen, of Compass Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 28 June where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

He was also have to serve a further eight months from a suspended sentence from October 2020, which was also for possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Crilley, of Bridge Street, Runcorn, was sentenced to seven months in prison suspended for 18 months.

Police Constable Chris Nicholls, Beat Manager for Runcorn Old Town, said: “This is a great result and the case shows the importance of the police’s power to stop and search people they suspect to be breaking the law.

“As a result of our ability to stop and search Johansen, a drug dealer is now behind bars and a large quantity of illegal drugs have been removed from the streets of Runcorn.

“These drugs cause untold damage to the lives of both those who use them and become dependent on them and the wider community who suffer from the resulting crime.

“Drug dealing in Runcorn will not be tolerated and while this investigation has now concluded, our fight against illegal drugs, and those who supply them, continues.

“Intelligence supplied by members of the public is crucial to this fight and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

“You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.”

You can report suspected drug dealing to Cheshire Constabulary directly by calling 101 or giving the details online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.

Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.