Two county lines dealers jailed following Winsford stop-check

Two more county lines dealers have been jailed following another successful stop check in Winsford.

Leonard Hunter and Archie Kettle appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 20th June where they were sentenced to a total of 5 years in prison.

The pair had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine), two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine), and possession of criminal property.

Hunter, aged 19, of Springfield Avenue, Malpas, and Kettle, aged 19, of Tilstock Lane, Tilstock, were each sentenced to 30 months in prison.

The case began in March 2024 when officers from Northwich Proactive CID became aware of a county line operating in Winsford.

Following the intelligence, on Monday 10 March plain clothed officers were deployed to the area and at 11.20am they spotted two men, Hunter and Kettle, who were believed to be linked to the gang.

Officers attempted to stop the pair and while Kettle was detained at the scene, Hunter ran off on foot. However, despite his attempts to evade officers, he was quickly located hiding in a nearby alleyway.

During searches, Kettle was found to be in possession of 338 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin valued at almost £3,400, meanwhile officers also located more than £2,500 cash and a mobile phone hidden under a fence panel in the alleyway where Hunter was located.

During analysis of the phone officers recovered a number of messages indicating that the pair were actively involved in drug dealing.

Following the sentencing Police Constable Ed Whalley, of Northwich Proactive CID,  said:

“This is another great result which has led to the recovery of a large quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Winsford. In addition, another two county lines dealers are now behind bars.

“While this case has now concluded, our campaign against drug dealers is ongoing and we’re committed to doing all we can to can to stop drug activity on the streets of Winsford and make Cheshire a hostile place for criminals.

“We will always act on any information about drug activity provided to us and would urge anyone who believes this activity is happening near to them, to please contact us on 101 or visit 

www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us

Pictured - Archie Kettle and Leonard Hunter.