Two St Helens men jailed for county lines drug dealing

Pictured left to right Connor Lees and Tyler Pimblett

Two men from St Helens have been jailed today, Friday 7 February, following an investigation into County Line drug dealing.

On Thursday 9 January, officers carried out drug warrants at two addresses in St Helens and found Class A and B drugs and weapons including a crossbow, air rifle and knives.

Connor Lees, 24 years, from Lingholme Road, was charged with Concerned in the supply of cocaine, Concerned in the supply of ketamine, Concerned in the supply of cannabis, Possession of cannabis and Possession of cocaine.

While Tyler Pimblett, 21 years, from Ellen Street, was charged with Concerned in the supply of cocaine, Concerned in the supply of ketamine, Concerned in the supply of cannabis and Possession of cannabis.

Both men pleaded guilty to the charges at a court hearing in Friday 10 January.

Today, they appeared at Liverpool Crown Court and Lees was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison, and Pimblett was jailed for two years and six months in prison.

Project Medusa is the Merseyside-led initiative to tackle County Lines drug dealing and criminal exploitation across the country.

Constable John Liauw-Jen-Choy who conducted the investigation said: “We are pleased this investigation has disrupted the chain of supply and taken a significant quantity of drugs off the streets and further afield.

“Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines.

“Drug supply is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear, through the running of County Lines. Those involved pay no notice to borders so it is vital we share intelligence and resources, in order to target networks, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.

“Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.

“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”

Read more here about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the
Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: www.eyes-open.co.uk
You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.
You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org