County-lines drug dealer jailed following stop and search

A county lines drug dealer from Widnes has been jailed for three and a half years following a successful police stop-check.

Jack Welch appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 22 June when he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

The 25-year-old of Avondale Drive, Widnes, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine).

The court heard how at around 11am on Saturday 26 February, plain clothed officers were conducting an operation in Widnes when they witnessed a street deal.

Officers stopped and searched Welch and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A search was conducted at his home address where a number of items were recovered including a graft phone used for drug dealing with an open message of ‘you still on mate’, a large amount of white wraps and a set of scales.

Police Constable Lauren Henthorn of Widnes Local Policing Unit said: “This is a great result following some proactive work from the officers who stopped and searched Welch. 

“It is another example of the zero tolerance to these kinds of offences and if you do commit crime in Cheshire, we will find you and you will be prosecuted.

“We will not stop in the fight against county lines activity in Widnes and are committed to making the area as hostile as possible for these individuals.

“I would urge anyone who thinks drug criminality is happening in their area to please get in touch with us and we will do the rest.”

To learn how to spot the signs of drug activity, including county lines criminal exploitation, taking place in your area please visit our website  https://www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/campaigns/campaigns/2019/impact/

To report serious and organised anonymously please call 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously