Three men jailed for more than 24 years following investigation into modern day slavery and drug supply offences

(above L-R: Graham McEvoy, Lewis Davies, Keane Mulligan)

Three men have been jailed for a total of more than 24 years following an investigation into Modern Day Slavery and drug supply offences into the Newton-le-Willows area.

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

Today, Thursday 12 December, at Liverpool Crown Court, Graham McEvoy, 19, of Market Street, Newton-le-Willows, was jailed for eight years for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and the human trafficking of victims aged between 15 and 17. He was also given a 10-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order.

Lewis Davies, 20, of no fixed abode but formerly of Clarence Street, Newton-le-Willows, was jailed for seven years and nine months for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and the human trafficking of a 15-year-old victim.

Keane Mulligan, 19, of Vincent Street, St Helens, was jailed for eight years and six months for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and human trafficking of victims aged 17.

Detective Inspector Peter Sloan, said: “Merseyside Police leads nationally on the response to County Lines through Project Medusa. County Lines gangs have no regard for the young, vulnerable people they coerce in to running drugs across the country, often with threats of violence and intimidation.

“We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people in our communities. Those who exploit children will be caught, arrested and face justice for modern day slavery and human trafficking offences.

“These are significant custodial sentences which I hope will serve as a strong deterrent for anyone thinking of getting involved in this type of criminality.”

 If you have any information about suspected County Lines activity in your area DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999. More information can be found here: County lines | Merseyside Police.