Stoke man jailed for drug dealing in Congleton

A county lines drug dealer from Stoke-on-Trent who was dealing class A drugs in Congleton has been jailed.

Ehsan Shah appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 21st July where he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

The 34-year-old of John Rhodes Way, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, had earlier pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

The investigation began after officers became aware of a county lines operation actively selling drugs in the Congleton area.

Following enquiries, officers identified Shah as the controller of the line after linking him to the mobile number used to send hundreds of messages advertising the sale of drugs.

On Friday 8th May 2026, Shah was arrested after being stopped by officers on West Street in Congleton. A search of his vehicle uncovered snap bags containing a white powder, later confirmed to be cocaine, along with the mobile phone linked to the county line.

Officers subsequently executed a warrant at his home address, where they seized a significant amount of cash and a number of luxury items, including watches, designer clothing and two Mercedes vehicles.

Shah was later charged in connection with the investigation.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Rob Wolstenholme said: 

“Shah targeted Congleton thinking it would be an easy place to deal drugs, but what he didn’t realise was that we were hot on his trail.

“We were able to provide a catalogue of evidence against him, leaving Shah with no option but to plead guilty.

“Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact not only on those who use them, but also on the wider community.

“We are doing all we can to stop drug activity on our streets, making Congleton a safer place to live, work and visit, while creating an extremely hostile environment for criminals.

“We will always act on information about suspected drug activity and would urge anyone who believes this is happening in their area to contact us on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us.”

Pictured - Ehsan Shah of John Rhodes Way, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent.