Huyton man jailed for more than three years for drug supply

A 29-year-old Huyton man has been jailed for more than three years for drugs supply offences.

Ryan Finlay of Parbrook Road, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis.

Finlay joined a Merseyside-based operation which began trafficking cocaine in the Inverness area of Scotland around April 2023. This led to police executing a search warrant at his home in October last year. 

A joint investigation carried out between Merseyside Police and Police Scotland into the County Line running between Liverpool and Inverness revealed that Finlay was the controller and even posted drugs to Inverness.

Officers arrested Finlay after finding cocaine and cannabis at his address. He was then remanded in custody until he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 9 January.

Finlay pleaded guilty and was jailed for three years and nine months.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton who works on Project Medusa, the Merseyside Police response to County Lines, said: “Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. We hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to people considering illegal behaviour.

“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, 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.”

“Information from the public is vital to continue to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets, and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”

Project Medusa is a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation.

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.

If you have any information about County Lines activity in your area DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.