Drugs gang leader jailed after using Northwich flat as base

Paul Brown, of Quickthorn Crescent in Liverpool, was jailed on August 26 at Liverpool Crown Court for leading a county lines drugs gang.

The 42-year-old had previously been released under investigation after he was found to be the passenger in a car that was stopped by police on Runcorn Road in Northwich on April 30, 2019.

A mobile phone and almost £2,000 of crack cocaine and heroin were found, along with two knives from the boot of the car.

On Thursday, June 9, 2022, police carried out a raid at a property on Lilac Drive, Northwich, where Brown was seen walking down the communal stairs as officers arrived.

Police recovered crack cocaine and heroin, around £200 in cash, three mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

Brown was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and subsequently charged.

Paul Brown (Image: Supplied)

He was jailed for 68 months after pleading guilty to the offences.

PC Adam Cupples, of Northwich local policing unit, said: “Brown was running a county lines organised crime group (OCG) that supplied crack cocaine and heroin to drug users in the Northwich area.

“Despite having already been arrested and subsequently released under investigation for drug offences he continued to run his OCG profiting from his criminal activities.

“With information coming into police in relation to drug activity in the area, we were able to execute a warrant which led to Brown being found leaving the property.

“He attempted to make his escape but was located and dealt with.”

A county line is operated by an OCG who use mobile phones, known as a line or a graft, to extend their supply of crack cocaine and heroin to users in various locations across the UK – usually from a city into rural areas.

If you believe drug activity is taking place in your community and have information please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact Cheshire Police via our website cheshire.police.uk/tell-us.