TWO men have been jailed for a combined seven years and nine months for supplying class A drugs in Ellesmere Port.

James Matthews, 19, of Naylor Road, Ellesmere Port, was jailed for two years and three months at Chester Crown Court on Monday, November 27.

Phillip Burns, 32, of Flint Court, Ellesmere Port, was jailed for five years and six months.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Matthews was initially found with wraps of white powder, two bags of cannabis, two mobile phones and a quantity of cash were found in his possession following a stop search on June 2, 2023.

He attempted to flee but was detained a short distance later where he was arrested and transported to custody.

Matthews was interviewed and released under investigation, pending further enquiries.

While Matthews was under investigation, enquiries revealed a phone number which was identified as a 'graft number' responsible for the supply of cocaine. Further investigations attributed both Matthews and Burns to this number.

A warrant for Burn's arrest was executed at his home address on October 12.

Matthews was arrested a second time following fresh evidence. He was located at an address in Ellesmere Port where bags of cocaine, cash, digital scales, food bags, a phone, and a notebook were seized.

Both Matthews and Burns were charged on October 13.

Following the sentencing, PC Lee Ashbrook said: "As a result of this investigation, we have been able to remove two people intent on supplying drugs off the streets.

"Matthews even continued his offending behaviour while under investigation, but thanks to officers’ hard work, Matthews and Burns are now facing the consequences of their actions.

"This is a great result for the community, but I would continue to urge anyone who notices this behaviour where they live to report it to us."