A Bolton drug dealer involved in a county lines operation targeting the Macclesfield area has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Stephen Critchley, 26, of Stowell Court, Bolton, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 4 November, where he was sentenced after previously admitting two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and one count of possession of criminal property.
Investigation and arrest
The investigation began in August 2026 when officers identified a mobile phone number being used to advertise and sell illegal drugs in Macclesfield. The number was linked to flare messages promoting the availability of heroin and crack cocaine.
Further enquiries revealed that the phone was regularly travelling between Bolton and Macclesfield in a vehicle registered to Critchley. Officers also traced the messages to an address in the Range Court area of Macclesfield.
Having gathered evidence, police secured a warrant and searched a flat on Range Court, where they found Critchley. A search of the property uncovered a small quantity of Class A drugs and the mobile phone believed to have been used to send the drug-related messages.
Court response
Critchley was arrested at the address but declined to answer questions during police interviews, responding no comment to all questions put to him.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Lewis Williamson said: “Illegal drugs have a hugely detrimental impact on our communities, and we’re committed to doing all we can to cut off supplies and remove dealers from our streets.”
“In this case, we discovered a significant number of messages on Critchley’s mobile phone which showed he was actively dealing drugs in the Macclesfield area, leaving him with no option but to plead guilty to the charges against him.”
Williamson added: “I welcome the sentence that has been handed to Critchley today and I hope it provides reassurance for residents. While Critchley is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drug dealers continues and I would appeal to anyone who has any information about illegal drug activity or any other criminal activity taking place in their communities to contact us on 101, via the website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
