21 drug dealers from Chester sentenced after massive police operation

Dec 24 2009 by Mark Dowling, Chester Chronicle

TWENTY-ONE drug dealers from across Chester were jailed for a total of more than 69 years on Thursday, following a massive undercover operation by Cheshire Police.

Operation Strikeout saw an undercover police officer posing as a purchaser of class A drugs, gathering evidence and intelligence against dealers throughout the city.

Many of the offenders sentenced were arrested in October when more than 200 Cheshire Police officers carried out dawn raids on properties in Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales.

The biggest sentence on the day was handed to Daniel Meredith, 22, of Plas Dinas, Blacon. As well as admitting two counts of supplying crack cocaine, among other offences, he committed a planned robbery, using CS spray to the victim’s face, punching him and smashing his vehicle.

He was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

Detective Inspector Simon Roberts, senior investigating officer for the latest phase of Operation Strikeout, said: “I believe the sentencing today sends out a clear message.

“Cheshire Police take a strong line against drug dealers and this has been reflected in the sentences. This has been the culmination of six months work.”

Following the sentencing, Judge David Hale praised the undercover officer’s efforts.

He said: “I should mention the bravery of this officer, who has been taking risks day after day after day. He is to be commended.”

Chief Inspector Andy Southcott added: “Drug offences are something we take very seriously in Chester.

“The majority of communities in the city are not affected by drug supply or use. However, for those areas that do experience drug supply, the affects on near by residents can be extremely disruptive and upsetting.

“These sentences show that drugs will not be tolerated in our communities and anyone who does try to deal in drugs in Chester will be dealt with in the strongest way possible through the courts.

“We will not allow innocent people to have their lives affected by drug dealing in their community.”

The court heard some members of the group had been selling drugs in the city during the day.

Chief Insp Southcott said: “The judge considered the blatant dealing in the city during the day as an aggravating factor in this case and these sentences reflect that.

“A lot of the information gathered to allow us to carry out this operation came from members of the public who were not willing to put up with this sort of behaviour on their doorstep.

“I would appeal for anyone who has concerns about drug use in their areas to contact the police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

To report drug use or supply, call Cheshire Constabulary on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.