Drug dealer sentenced following successful stop and search in Chester

A man who was spotted dealing drugs in an alleyway in Chester has been jailed.

Steven Fowles appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 19 June where he was sentenced to three-years in Prison.

The 27-year-old of Thackery Towers, Frances Street, Chester had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs (cocaine and cannabis), and possession of criminal property.

The court heard how at around 2.40pm on Tuesday 21 March 2023, plain clothed officers on patrol in spotted three men who were believed to be dealing drugs in an alleyway between Charles Street and Edgerton Street.

Fowles was detained by officers a short distance away and during a search he was found in possession of a Nokia mobile phone, cash and a cannabis grinder.

Fowles was arrested, and a search was conducted at his home on Victoria Road, where officers discovered two bags of cocaine, four bags of cannabis and other drugs paraphernalia. They also recovered a high value Rolex Watch

Drugs experts estimated that the drugs recovered at the property had a street value of between £1,010 and £1,850.

Messages discovered on one of the phones showed that Fowles had been actively dealing drugs in the Chester area.

During questioning Fowles refused to answer any of the questions that were put to him by officers.

Despite his silence, he was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs (cocaine and cannabis), and possession of criminal property.

Following her sentencing, Detective Constable James Wright, of Chester Proactive Policing Team, said:

“Thanks to the work of the two eagle-eyed officers another drug dealer is now behind bars.

“This is a fantastic result and I hope it acts as a warning to others planning to deal drugs in Cheshire – demonstrating that you never know who is watching.

“Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact, not only drug users, but also the community around them.

“Here in Chester, we are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets to make the town a safer place to live and visit, while also making it extremely difficult for these offenders to operate.

“We will always act on any information about drug activity provided to us and would urge anyone who believes this activity is happening near to them to get in touch.”