Facial recognition technology helps to identify Northwich drug dealers

Two men have been jailed for county lines drug dealing thanks facial recognition technology and the work by officers from Northwich Proactive Policing Unit.

Keenan Hughes and Vincent Potter appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 1 July where they were sentenced to more than five years in prison.

Hughes18, of Cable Street, Connah’s Quay, was sentenced to 28 months behind bars having previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and possession of a knife in a public place.

Potter, 19, of no fixed abode was jailed for 34 months having previously admitted possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine), possession of criminal property and possession of a knife in a public place.

The investigation initially began in April 2024 when officers became aware of a mobile phone number which was being used to sell drugs in the local area by the Kyle County Lines gang.

Following further enquiries, officers recovered CCTV footage an unknown man who was suspected to be one of the men using the phone.

The image was submitted to the force facial recognition system and came through as a match to a man called Keenan Hughes from Connah’s Quay.

On Friday 17 May, officers on patrol in the local area spotted Hughes walking along Winnington Street, with Potter, and both men were stopped and searched by officers.

Hughes was found in possession of 99 individual wraps of crack cocaine, worth approximately £990, along with a hunting style knife. Potter was found to have two mobile phones, a lock knife and £960 cash.

Both men were subsequently arrested for drugs offences and possession of a knife in a public place.

During questioning both men refused to answer any questions in relation to drugs offences, answering no comment to the majority of the questions put to them.

However, when analysing one of the phones seized from Potter, officers discovered several messages indicating that the phone was being used to sell illegal drugs.

Despite their silence, both men were charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine), possession of criminal property and possession of a knife in a public place.

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

“This is a great example of how technology can make a real difference in modern day policing.

“Hughes was not known in the Northwich area, but thanks to the CCTV footage and facial recognition technology, we were quickly able to identify him as a suspect.

“As a result of this information and the work of the team here at Northwich Proactive Policing Team, another two drug dealers have been removed from the streets of our town and both men are facing time behind bars.

“I welcome the sentences handed to the pair and I hope that their conviction provides reassurance to local residents and acts as a warning for any other dealers who are planning to target the Northwich area.”

Anyone with information or concerns in relation to drug dealing in the Northwich area is asked to report it to Cheshire Police via www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or call 101.