Liverpool Drug Dealer Locked Up After Tip-Off Leads to 43 Heroin and Crack Wraps Seizure
A Liverpool man has been jailed for four years after cops caught him with 43 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine in Runcorn.
Public Tip-Off Leads Police Straight to Dealer
Peter Wharton, 42, was busted following a tip-off about suspected drug dealing near Humphreys Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn. An alert member of the public reported suspicious activity in the woodland area, setting police on his trail.
On the morning of Tuesday 14 July, an officer spotted Wharton talking to another man. Matching the description given, Wharton got into a car which police quickly stopped.
As the vehicle came to a halt, the officer saw Wharton trying to hide a package down his sleeve. A search revealed:
- 25 wraps of heroin
- 18 wraps of crack cocaine
- £850 cash on Wharton
- Two mobile phones (one on Wharton, one in the car)
The drugs’ street value? Around £430.
Wharton Claims Personal Use, Gets Four Years Behind Bars
Wharton, from Lowerson Road, Liverpool, claimed during police questioning that the drugs were for personal use and the £850 was for household shopping from his girlfriend. However, faced with strong evidence, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply both heroin and crack cocaine.
On Wednesday 6 January, Chester Crown Court sentenced him to four years in prison and a £190 victim surcharge.
Police Praise Public and Stop-and-Search Powers
“This case shows how public information can help take dealers off our streets,” said PC Simon Gibson from Runcorn Local Policing Unit. “Because we were able to stop and search Wharton, 43 wraps of deadly Class A drugs have been removed from the community.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “Stop and search is vital to fighting organised crime. Huge thanks to the officers involved and the member of the public who reported this suspect.”
Chief Inspector Sarah Heath warned: “Class A drugs cause massive harm to users and communities. Drug dealing in Cheshire will not be tolerated. We urge anyone with info to come forward – your tip could help put another dealer behind bars.”
