County Lines drug dealer jailed for supplying drugs in Widnes

A 26-year-old man from Liverpool who controlled a Class A drugs line into Widnes has been jailed for more than two-and-a-half years.

Jack Powell, of Abingdon Road, Liverpool, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 30 August.

The 26-year-old was sentenced to 33 months for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine).

Powell was originally identified by Operation Toxic officers as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs across Widnes, Cheshire.

An investigation found that Powell was the controller of the ‘Connor’ county line operating between Liverpool and Widnes.

A mobile phone belonging to Powell showed messages concerning the supply of drugs and a warrant was carried out at an address on Frogmore Road, Liverpool, on Monday 13 February.

Mobile phones belonging to Powell were seized containing further evidence relating to the supply of drugs.

Powell was subsequently arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and charged.

He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday 30 August where he was sentenced to 33 months.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “This investigation forms part of our ongoing work to close county lines and target those who are involved in the large-scale supply of drugs across Merseyside and into other areas.

“Project Medusa has closed more than 1,100 county lines over the last four years and identified and jailed major players in serious organised crime. 

“Our fight against illegal drugs is never over, and we would urge anyone with information to come forward so we can pursue those involved and put them before the courts.”

Operation Toxic is part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country.

Since 2019, Project Medusa officers have closed 1,101 county lines; arrested 2,421 people for various offences including drug supply, firearms offences and money laundering; and identified 1,256 vulnerable adults and children who have been referred to safeguarding services.

If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, call Merseyside Police on 101 or DM @MerpolCC.  Always contact 999 if a crime is in progress.