Bolton man jailed for county lines drug dealing in Macclesfield

A member of a county lines drugs gang who was operating in the Macclesfield area has been jailed.

Stephen Critchley appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 4th November where he was sentenced to four years in prison.

The 26-year-old of Stowell Court in Bolton, has earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

The case against Critchley began in August 2026 when officers became aware of a mobile phone number which was being used to sell illegal drugs in the Macclesfield area.

The number was being used to send flare messages adverting the sale of heroin and crack cocaine.

Following enquiries, officers were able to establish that the phone was travelling between Bolton and Macclesfield on a regular basis in a vehicle registered to Critchley.

They also established that the flare messages were being sent from an address in the Range Court area of Macclesfield.

After gathering a catalogue of evidence, officers conducted a warrant at a flat on Range Court where they located Critchley.

During a search of the address officers discovered a small quantity of class A drugs along with the mobile phone which was being used to send the flare messages.

Critchley was arrested at the scene and answered no comment to all the questions put to him by officers.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lewis Williamson said:

“Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on our communities, and we’re committed to doing all we can to cut off supplies and remove dealers from our streets.

“In this case, we discovered a significant number of messages on Critchley’s mobile phone which showed he was actively dealing drugs in the Macclesfield area, leaving him with no option but to plead guilty to the charges against him.

“I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Critchley today and I hope it provides reassurance for residents.

“While Critchley is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drug dealers continues and I would appeal to anyone who has any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in their communities to contact us on 101, via the website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Pictured - Stephen Critchley of Stowell Court in Bolton.