Northwich drug dealer jailed thanks to community intelligence

A man from Northwich has been jailed for drug dealing thanks to information from local residents.

Ashley Finney appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 16 July where he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

The 34-year-old of Danefield Road, Northwich, had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine).

In January 2023 police received information suggesting that Finney was dealing class A drugs in the Northwich area.

After receiving the intelligence, plain clothed officers were deployed to the Royle Street area on Friday 20 January where they spotted Finney acting suspiciously.

He was stopped by officers and upon being searched he was found in possession in possession of nine snap bags of white powder along with a Nokia mobile phone.

Finney was arrested, and a search was conducted at his home on Danefield Road, where officers discovered another five snap bags of white powder along with other drugs paraphernalia.

Drugs experts analysed the white powder and confirmed that it was cocaine.

During questioning Finney 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 (cocaine).

Following his sentencing, Police Constable Kev Anderson, of Northwich Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

“As this case demonstrates information from the local community is vital and it can make a real difference.

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

“Here in Northwich, 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.”