Two 24-year-old 'prolific drugs offenders' in Ellesmere Port have been jailed.

Last year detectives began Operation Stacked to investigate the supply of cocaine in Ellesmere Port.

During their investigation, officers identified two mobile phone numbers which were being used by dealers in the area to sell illegal drugs – known as graft phones.

Following enquiries, officers were able to attribute the numbers to Liam Quinn and Carter Flood.

On Wednesday, August 2, officers conducted warrants at their homes in Ellesmere Port.

During the raid at Quinn's home on Sutton Way, officers recovered one of the mobile phones, along with two sets of digital scales, snap bags and other drugs paraphernalia.

While searching Floods house on Suffolk Avenue, officers located further mobile phones. They also discovered a set of digital scales, snap bags, £235 cash, and an extendable baton.

Both men were subsequently arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (cocaine) between April 17 and August 2, 2023.

Flood was also charged with possession of class B drugs (cannabis) and possession of a weapon in a private place. He pleaded guilty to all the charges and was sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Monday, August 31, 2023.

Quinn initially pleaded not guilty to the charge and was bailed from court. However, he was arrested for a second time on the Tuesday, December 5, after a further warrant was conducted at his home address.

On this occasion Quinn was charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He later changed his pleaded guilty to both charges and was also sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Friday 26 February 2024.

Following the sentencing Detective Constable Mike Rogers, who led the investigation, said: “Both Flood and Quinn are prolific drugs offenders and the sentences handed to them are reflective of their criminal history.

“During our enquires it was clear that both men were involved in the sale of cocaine in the Ellesmere Port area, but thanks to our investigation their activities have now been brought to a stop and they are now facing the consequences of their actions.

“It is of paramount importance to us to remove these drugs and those who supply them as they have a hugely detrimental impact to our communities and cause widespread misery.

“We act on all information that we receive and would ask the public to continue to do their part in helping to make Ellesmere Port a safer place to live.

“You can report suspected drug dealing to us online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report, or by calling 101.”