Widnes drug dealer jailed following county lines week of action

Benjamin Hurley, of Newsham Close, Widnes, was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 9 April 2026 after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of criminal property.

During the hearing, the court was told that on Wednesday 4 March 2026, officers in Widnes, working as part of a County Lines Intensification Week of action, executed a warrant at the 34-year-old’s address.

Officers located Hurley in the bedroom of the property and explained they were there as part of an investigation into the distribution of class A drugs within the local area.

Hurley promptly told officers to arrest him, adding that they would find “cash and gear” in a kitchen cupboard downstairs.

Shortly after his arrest, officers searched the property and found approximately 810g of cocaine in various containers, including plastic bags of different sizes and a tin for powdered baby milk, hidden in a kitchen cupboard. A set of digital scales and Hurley’s passport were also discovered.

In addition, just under £32,000 in cash, a number of high‑value designer items - including clothing and watches - four vehicles, and a customer list were seized as part of the investigation.

Hurley told officers at the beginning of his interview in custody that he intended to plead guilty to all offences and admitted that selling drugs was his main source of income.

He also stated that the substances recovered during the search consisted of a mixture of cocaine and a cutting agent.

Hurley was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of criminal property, pleading guilty to both offences at the first opportunity.

Police Constable Powell, of Widnes Local Policing Unit’s Neighbourhood Beat Team, said:

“Benjamin Hurley knew what he was doing was wrong, offering no defence for his actions as he knew that the evidence against him was overwhelming. It was clear from the sheer quantity of illegal goods and criminal property found throughout his address that we were dealing with an organised individual involved in the supply of significant amounts class A drugs.

“The drugs in question were also not 100% pure cocaine, as he openly admitted to mixing in additional substances to bulk out his overall supply – this highlights the dangers of buying illegal drugs as you can never really tell for certain what has gone into them.

“Hurley’s arrest and subsequent sentencing formed part of wider activity carried out by the Widnes Beat Team during County Lines Intensification Week, creating a hostile environment for those seeking to profit from the supply of illegal drugs both within Cheshire and beyond its borders.

“We cannot achieve results like this without information from our communities - no amount of information is too small when it comes to tackling organised crime. If you believe someone is being exploited, an address is being used as a base for drug dealing, or even if something just doesn’t feel right, report it to us or contact Crimestoppers anonymously and we will take action.”

If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.