Two men jailed following county lines operation in Northwich

Two men who were arrested as part of a county lines drugs operation in Northwich have been jailed.

Roy Ashbrook and Daniel Dunne appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 28 February 2024 where they were both sentenced to three years in prison.

Ashbrook, 42, of Nicholas Avenue, Rudheath, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine).

Dunne, 29, of Victoria Road, Northwich, admitted to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine), two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine) and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

The investigation initially began in June 2023 when officers received intelligence that Ashbrook was actively dealing drugs in the Northwich area. The information suggested that he was travelling to Liverpool via train to purchase the drugs.

Officers monitored Ashbrook’s movements over the following months to gather further evidence and on Monday 18 September 2023 they discovered that he had again travelled to Liverpool, on this occasion he was travelling with Dunne.

A decision was taken to intercept the pair on their return, with Dunne being arrested first after he arrived at Hartford train station shortly after 5pm.

Upon his arrest he was found in possession of a mobile phone, cannabis and a plastic box containing approximately £320 worth of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin).

Ashbrook was arrested shortly after 10pm after returning to Hartford on a later train. He was found in possession of two mobile phones and around £420 cash.

During analysis officers discovered ‘flare’ messages on their phones which demonstrated that the pair were dealing drugs.

Both men refused to answer any questions during their interviews, but despite their silence they were both charged with various drugs offences.

The pair both pleaded guilty to all the charges when they appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 18 October 2023.

Following the sentencing Police Constable Dean Butterworth, of the Northwich Proactive Team, said:

“I welcome the sentences handed to Ashbrook and Dunne and I hope that this case provides reassurance to the local community, demonstrating that we are committed to doing all we can to tackle drug related crime in Northwich.

“During our enquires it was clear that both men were involved in County Lines drug dealing, regularly travelling to Liverpool via the railway network to collect drugs which they would then sell in Northwich.

“But thanks to our investigation their activities have now been brought to a stop and they are both facing the consequences of their actions.

“I hope that this case sends out a clear message to other offenders who are planning to come to Northwich to commit crime, you will be caught, and you will be brought to justice.

“Information from the local community is vital and if you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in Northwich then please report it to us on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and we will take action.”