Man jailed for seven years for drugs offences in Crewe

A man who benefited from more than half-a-million pounds for supplying class A and B drugs in Crewe has been jailed.

Lee James, of Woodnoth Drive in Shavington, was sentenced to seven years at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 5th February.

The 39-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, and converting criminal property.

On 1st July 2024, an officer was on duty when they stopped a blue BMW M5 in Bradfield Road, Crewe.

A search was conducted of both James and his vehicle. He produced more than £1,000 in cash from his pocket, as well as a mobile phone. A further phone was on the passenger seat of the vehicle.

James failed a drugs wipe and he was subsequently arrested.

Officers undertook a search of James’ address and a number of cannabis vape pens were seized. James was also found to be in possession of a gold Rolex watch worth £15,800 and a gold-plated chain worth £8,300.

He was later bailed pending further enquiries.

On 11th December 2024, a second search of his address was carried out.

Numerous items were seized, including a mobile phone, £2,455 in cash, an e-bike worth £4,000, cannabis vapes and gummies, receipts for high value furniture and a large quantity of designer items including clothing, footwear, handbags and perfumes believed to be in excess of £38,000.

Analysis of the mobile phone and bank accounts showed evidence of drug dealing.

It was established that James benefitted from more than half a million pounds of financial gain as a result of the supply class A and class B drugs across a four-year period between 2021 and 2025.

He was subsequently charged with the offences.

Detective Sergeant Williams said:

“James has been handed a significant custodial sentence which reflects the severity of his crimes.

“He clearly reaped the benefits of his criminal activity, with high value and designer items being found in his address – but as this case shows, crime does not pay.

“Those items were seized by our officers, and he is now behind bars for a considerable number of years where he will be able to contemplate whether it was worth it.

“Drugs don’t just have an impact on drug users, they affect entire communities, and our fight against those who choose to exploit this continues.

“If you have any information on drug-related activity where you live, please call us on 101 or report information online.”

Pictured - Lee James of Woodnoth Drive in Shavington.