Gang Used Dog Kennels as Front for Drug Supply
Three men who ran a drugs enterprise from a boarding kennels in Widnes have been jailed for more than 12 years. John Chester, Sam Mulhearn and Ryan Holden were caught when police raided Liverpool Boarding Kennels and Cattery on Hale Road, Widnes, on October 15 last year.
The men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on May 14, where they each pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs (heroin and crack cocaine) and possession of criminal property. They were sentenced on June 22.
Police Raid Uncovers Drugs and Cash
Officers from Widnes Proactive CID executed a warrant at the kennels following intelligence linking the property to illegal drugs. When they arrived, Mulhearn, 35, attempted to escape on foot but was detained a short distance away. He was found with a mobile phone linked to the supply of class A drugs from the 'P' county line.
Holden, 32, also tried to flee but was caught and found with 41 wraps of crack cocaine and 201 wraps of heroin, with a street value of £2,420. Chester, 43, was found attempting to conceal mobile phones and a large quantity of cash under floorboards in his bedroom.
Defendants Sentenced to Over 12 Years Combined
All three were arrested and answered no comment to police questions. They later pleaded guilty. Mulhearn, of Netherfield, Widnes, was sentenced to five years and eight months. Chester, of Hale Road, Widnes, received four years. Holden, also of Hale Road, was sentenced to two years and eight months.
Police Warn Others Involved in Drug Supply
Following sentencing, Police Constable Nicholls of Halton Proactive CID said: 'I welcome the lengthy custodial sentences handed down by the court and I hope that they act as a warning to those involved in the sale of illegal drugs. This investigation shone a light on a County Lines operation that was operating under the guise of a dog kennel and cattery, highlighting the lengths that offenders will go to in order to conceal their criminal activities. Thankfully, as a result of our investigation, we have been able to bring down their criminal empire, and they are now facing the consequences of their actions.'
Nicholls added: 'I would like to thank the public for their assistance with this case, and I urge anyone who has information regarding drugs supply to come forward, and we will act on it.'
