Three men have been jailed for a combined total of more than ten years after a bag containing more than £8,000 worth of cannabis was thrown from a car during a police stop on the M56.
The vehicle was pulled over near junction 11 as part of an investigation into the supply of illegal drugs in Runcorn. Karl Morgan, 38, was driving, while Kieron Banks, 34, was in the passenger seat.
As officers dealt with the incident, a member of the public approached them and reported seeing Banks throw an item out of the window. Officers searched the area and recovered a blue bag containing cannabis worth more than £8,000.
Investigation leads to M56 stop
The discovery came after officers had earlier raided an address on Norton Hill, Runcorn, on Monday, June 29, following intelligence about suspected drug supply. John Ungi, 36, was inside the property when officers arrived but fled by jumping from a first-floor window. He was quickly arrested following a short chase, with officers recovering cash and a mobile phone.
A search of the flat uncovered items linked to drug supply, including scales, supplier lists and cash. Officers also found a quantity of drugs and documents belonging to Ungi and Morgan. Investigators subsequently linked Morgan to the property, leading to the stop check on the M56.
Mobile phones seized from all three men were also found to contain messages linked to the supply of illegal drugs.
Court sentencing
Banks, of Juniper Grove, Runcorn, Morgan, of Navigation Close, Murdishaw, Runcorn, and Ungi, of Downside, Widnes, all admitted their involvement in drug supply. They appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, November 5, where they were sentenced.
Banks was jailed for five years after admitting two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine and dimethyltryptamine) and conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis). Morgan received 40 months in prison after admitting two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine and dimethyltryptamine) and two counts of conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis and amphetamine).
Ungi was also jailed for 40 months after admitting three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine, dimethyltryptamine and psilocybin mushrooms) and two counts of conspiracy to supply class B drugs (cannabis and amphetamine).
Police comment
Following sentencing, Police Constable Ethan Lines said: “This is a fantastic result, not only are three drug dealers now behind bars, but we’ve also removed a large quantity of illegal drugs from the streets of Runcorn.
“Through our investigation it became apparent that Banks, Morgan and Ungi were all working together to supply illegal drugs in the local area, including cannabis, cocaine, psilocybin and amphetamine. The evidence against the three was overwhelming, and they were left with no option but to admit their guilt. While this case has now concluded, our fight against illegal drugs, and those who supply them, continues.
“Intelligence supplied by members of the public is crucial to this fight and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to, and we will investigate the matter.”
Suspected drug dealing can be reported to Cheshire Constabulary by calling 101 or via the force's website. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
