Liverpool man who used Snapchat to sell drugs jailed

A Liverpool man who ran a social media account to sell drugs to children has been jailed for three years.

Shaun Carrington, 35, of Meade Road, Liverpool, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court this week (Monday 21 October) for being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Detectives from Merseyside’s Project Medusa, the initiative to tackle county lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country, began an investigation into Carrington in July 2024.

The investigation began when a child was hospitalised after using a cannabis vape. A Merseyside Safer Schools Officer identified that the vape was purchased from an online drug dealing account targeting children and shared this information with the Project Medusa team. The child made a full recovery.

Detectives identified Carrington as the controller of a Snapchat account called “The Liverpool Connoisseur” and executed a warrant at his address on Meade Road in August 2024, where he was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, namely cannabis.

Officers also seized cannabis vapes and cannabis, marketed in bright packaging and included cartoons, at his address. 

Police Staff Investigator Jack Rothwell from the Project Medusa team said: “Carrington ran a drug dealing operation and used Snapchat to advertise illegal drugs to young children.

“We are working proactively to take drugs off our streets, including online spaces where drugs are being sold. In this case, the diligent work of our Safer Schools Officer allowed us to identify where the vape was purchased and take quick action to bring Carrington to justice.

“Illicit vapes are very dangerous and it’s important we get the message out to the public that they can cause serious harm to our young people. Our Safer Schools Officers deliver regular inputs to schools about these dangers.

“We would also urge parents, guardians and anyone with information about those supplying illegal drugs get in touch so we can investigate fully.”

Anyone who has any information about drug dealing in their area or anyone who is concerned about someone who may be being exploited, can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting Give information 100% anonymously about organised crime in Merseyside | Crimestoppers

Alternatively, you can contact the police on 101. In an emergency always contact 999.