THREE drug dealers have been jailed by Halton Magistrates.

Shaun Peter Cook, 32,of Redshank Lane, Birchwood, Stephen Johnstone, 34, of Grasmere Avenue, Warrington, and Jason Simpson, 36, of Reservoir Street, Liverpool, were arrested on Wednesday, July 12, during a series of dawn raids targeting suspected Class A drug dealers in Halton.

Cook and Johnstone each received 14 months in prison while Simpson received 17 months in prison.

Operation Crack Down was the largest drugs operation of its kind in the area.

About 300 officers took part in early morning raids at 30 properties in Runcorn, Widnes, Liverpool and Warrington.

Officers arrested a total of 20 suspects and all were subsequently charged with various drugs offences.

Cook, Johnstone and Simpson pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying heroin and ecstasy at Halton Magistrates Court last Friday.