TWO drug dealers have been jailed after more than £5,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis were found in their home.

Michael Barr, 35, and Tony Monroe, 29, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court today (Tuesday, April 16).

Barr was jailed for 32 months and Monroe was sentenced to 44 months in prison.

The pair had both earlier pleaded guilty to three offences – possession with intent to supply controlled drugs of class A (cocaine) and class B (cannabis) as well as possessing criminal property.

The case against Barr and Monroe began on Friday, March 15, when officers, acting on intelligence supplied by the public, executed a warrant at their home in Norton Hill, Runcorn.

The pair were both inside the address at the time and the search uncovered illegal drugs with an estimated street value of between £5,030 and £7,790, as well as drug paraphernalia.

The haul included bags of cocaine worth between a total of £1,500 and £3,000, a large bag of cannabis bush and 19 small bags each containing an ounce of cannabis, an amount commonly bought by drug users.

A quantity of cash was also found inside the property.

The money and drugs were seized and Barr and Monroe were arrested at the address.

When later presented with the evidence against them, the pair admitted to being involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

After today’s sentencing, Detective Sergeant Robert McLoughlin said: “Barr and Monroe were using their home as a base for their class A and class B drug dealing activity.

“These drugs have a detrimental impact on our towns and cities and removing those involved in drug dealing from our communities is of paramount importance.

“I hope that this case and the custodial sentences handed to Barr and Monroe sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that the use and supply of illegal drugs will not be tolerated in Runcorn or elsewhere in Cheshire.

“This case also shows that the police will act upon intelligence provided by the public in a bid to catch drug dealers and make them face the consequences of their actions.”

On top of their custodial sentences, Barr and Monroe were each ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

DS McLoughlin added: “While this investigation has now concluded our fight against organised criminals continues and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch.

“You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.”

Suspected drug dealing activity can be reported by calling Cheshire Constabulary on 101. Alternatively information can be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.