A dealer carted heroin and cocaine from Liverpool to small towns as part of an extensive drug scheme.
Michael Edwards would then take advantage of vulnerable people in Winsford, "cuckooing" them and using their homes to stash drugs which he would move from the city to Cheshire twice a week.
The 35-year-old would use the homes as a base to sell drugs extensively in the area - but his scheme came crashing down after police raided one of the homes, reports our sister title the Manchester Evening News. That warrant, executed on Pinewood Road, saw 155 wraps of heroin and 238 wraps of cocaine valued at £3,940 were seized by officers.
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Edwards was subsequently charged with and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine). At Chester Crown Court, he was sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply heroin and three years for possession to supply crack cocaine to run concurrently.
Police Constable Matthew Uren of Northwich Proactive Team said: "During our investigation it has become clear that Edwards was a key player in the supply of illegal drugs in the Winsford and Northwich areas. He would travel to Liverpool at least twice a week to collect the drugs before returning to the mid-Cheshire area to sell them on.
"In order to minimise his chances of being caught, he often exploited some of the most vulnerable residents in the area, taking over their homes, using them to deal and store his drugs. Thankfully, as a result of all the evidence we gathered during our investigation Edwards is now behind bars."
Detective Constable Claire Heatley, of Northwich Proactive Team, said: "This is an excellent result which demonstrates our efforts to ensure those who deal illegal drugs in our communities are caught and brought to justice. We should not underestimate the detrimental impact illegal drugs has on our communities and as a result of this warrant, a drug dealer is now behind bars and a large quantity of drugs have been seized.
“We are committed to doing all we can to remove those involved in the supply of such drugs from our communities and I hope this sentencing serves as a warning to those who are considering committing crime in Cheshire that they are not welcome.
“Warrants can be hugely successful but information from the public is vital for this fight and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter."
PC Uren added: “The sentencing is not the end of this case, now that Edwards is behind bars we will be undertaking a full Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) investigation, and any cash or other illegitimate assets which he has got through his illegal activity will be seized.”
You can report suspected drug dealing to Cheshire Constabulary through the website or by calling 101. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Following the sentencing, a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been set to take place at Chester Crown Court on Monday 21 November.
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