Jack Murphy, 26, from Liverpool, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for running a Class A drugs supply operation in Barrow. The investigation, named Operation Funicular, uncovered his involvement in trafficking crack cocaine and heroin between July and November 2019.
The court heard that Murphy operated the dealer phone line known as ‘Jay Jay’. He sent text messages promoting the “best in town” drugs and “deals deals deals” to users in Barrow.
Police arrested Murphy on 26th November 2019 while he was in a Seat Altea near Barrow-in-Furness, accompanied by co-defendant Toni Cross, 42. Officers observed Murphy discard a SIM card under his seat, which was later identified as the dealer line’s SIM. A burner phone containing incriminating texts was also found in the car’s glove box.
Murphy attempted to deny involvement in the drug supply but was found guilty of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. His accomplice, Toni Cross, was previously sentenced to four years in prison and had the Seat Altea seized.
A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary’s South Area Drugs Unit stated, “Murphy played an important part in trafficking Class A drugs into the Barrow area. Following his arrest, he sought to evade justice by going on the run but was tracked down and has now faced justice.”
They added, “This significant prison sentence should send a clear message to anyone considering such criminality. County lines drug dealing is a blight on the county and causes immense suffering to vulnerable people. Cumbria Constabulary is committed to rooting it out.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
