Liverpool man jailed for county lines drug dealing

A Liverpool drug dealer has been jailed for six years in prison following an investigation into County Lines drug dealing.

Thomas Crawford, 28 years, of Keithley Walk, Speke appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday 16 August, where he pleaded guilty to supply cocaine, ketamine and being in possession of criminal property. 

On 18 July 2022, officers executed a warrant at a property in Kirkdale where a significant amount of drugs with a street value of up to £110,000 was seized along with more than £8,000 cash.

Crawford was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug (cocaine), Class B drug (ketamine), and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. 

Project Medusa is a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation, which has seen more than 1,300 people arrested and £1.4 million cash seized.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “We welcome this sentencing where Crawford is now behind bars and has time to reflect on his criminal activity.

“We have disrupted a chain of supply and taken a significant quantity of drugs off the streets and further afield, preventing them from damaging communities.

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

“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