Two men jailed for dealing cocaine and heroin in Widnes
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Two County Lines drug dealers have been jailed following a warrant at an address in Widnes.
Joseph Eccleston, 36, of Peel House Lane, Widnes, and Callum Taylor, 25, of HMP Altcourse, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court to be sentenced on Monday 25 March, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Eccleston received three years and six months in prison, while Taylor received four years and four months.
The investigation began when detectives from Operation Apollo identified Eccleston and Taylor had been running the ‘Amos’ County Line, supplying heroin and cocaine in the Widnes area.
Intelligence led detectives to identify Eccleston and Taylor as key members of the county line, orchestrating the team’s supply of drugs into the town.
During a warrant at his home address on Tuesday 25 April 2023, Eccleston approached officers while brandishing a kitchen knife but was quickly brought under control by officers using captor spray.
Taylor was also located in the property, and the pair were both detained and arrested.
Following a search of the property, officers recovered a quantity of cocaine and heroin and other drug paraphernalia.
Eccleston was found in possession of a quantity of cash and a knuckleduster which was concealed in his waistband.
Taylor was found in possession of a large quantity of cash.
Both men were subsequently charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (diamorphine, cocaine).
Eccleston was also charged with possession of offensive weapon in a private place and affray.
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Joseph Eccleston -
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Callum Taylor
Detective Inspector Robert Balfour said: “Our dedicated team of officers continue to work tirelessly to disrupt county lines and target individuals like Eccleston and Taylor, both of whom were heavily involved in the sale of illegal drugs.
“This is a fantastic result, and it truly shows the value of information from the local community and our commitment in pursuing those responsible for county lines drug dealing, and I am glad that we have prevented these drugs from reaching the streets of Widnes.
“As this case demonstrates, information from the local community is vital and if you have any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place then please report it to us on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and we will take action.”