Drug dealer jailed following police raid in Winsford

A man from Winsford has been jailed for more than three years for drug dealing following a police warrant at his home in Winsford.

Leon Tomlinson appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 14 July where he was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment.

The 38-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (cannabis).

Tomlinson was arrested on Thursday 28 May 2023 after officers from Northwich Proactive Policing Unit conducted a drugs raid at his home on Nuthatch Close, Winsford.

While searching the address officers discovered a black puffa jacket containing 14 wraps of cocaine, valued at more than £500.

Officers also discovered more white powder in the kitchen along with a quantity of cannabis and other drugs paraphernalia.

Mobile phones were also seized from the address, which was subsequently found to contain a number of messages about the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Following his arrests, Tomlinson denied any involvement in drug dealing and stated that the puffa jacket recovered at his home belonged to a man called ‘John’. He did admit to possession of the cannabis, but claimed was for personal use.

However, after being presented with all of the evidence, including images of him wearing the jacket, Tomlinson eventually pleaded guilty to all of the charges when he appeared in court.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Heatley said:

“I welcome the sentence handed to Tomlinson and I hope that his conviction sends out a warning to other dealers planning to target the Winsford area. 

“Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact and we are committed to doing all we can to remove those involved in the supply of such drugs from our communities.

“Throughout this investigation Tomlinson has attempted to evade justice, denying any involvement in illegal drug dealing. Thankfully, because of the evidence we were able to gather against him he had no option but to plead guilty to the charges against him.”

Anyone with any information in relation to supply of illegal drugs in their community is urged to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.