A drug dealer tried to flee police officers while naked during a raid in Wigan, with the moment captured on body-worn camera. Jake Lowe, 28, was later spotted perched on a fence near his home after attempting to escape through a window.
The arrest took place on July 23 during Merseyside Police's action day, Operation Vanguard. Warrants were carried out at two addresses as part of the operation, which was led by the Project Medusa team.
Online drug sales via WhatsApp and Instagram
An investigation found that Lowe and 30-year-old Joseph Knockton had been using a dedicated WhatsApp group and Instagram account to advertise and sell cannabis between February and June this year. Phone messages showed the pair arranging sales of more than nine kg of cannabis in a 26-day period.
Messages recovered from their phones also included Lowe complaining of being stuck in rush hour traffic, texting “all rat race people going to work making me late”.
When two plain clothed police officers arrived at Lowe's address on Manchester Road in Wigan, Lowe tried to escape through a window while naked. He was later spotted perched on a fence nearby.
Officers' exchange with naked suspect
Body-worn cameras show that two officers shouted at him to get down, but Lowe replied: "No, there's a big drop. Please love." He then told the officers he was jumping down.
An officer then told him to put his hands behind his back. Referencing his nudity, he replied: "Can I have them in front please? For my personal sake."
Inside the property, police uncovered a sophisticated illegal postal operation. There were black bin bags containing thousands of packages featuring cannabis branding, which were used to distribute drugs sold online.
Sentences handed down at Liverpool Crown Court
Police also recovered more than 4kg of cannabis, valued at around £66,000, along with a smaller quantity of cocaine. Cash, mobile phones, a knuckle duster and a Taser were also seized.
Further evidence of the drug-dealing operation was recovered during a search of Knockton's address on Braithwaite Close in Rainhill. Officers also seized a Rolex watch and £30,000 in cash.
At an earlier hearing, Lowe pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of cocaine and possession of criminal property. Knockton pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
At Liverpool Crown Court, Lowe was sentenced to four years in prison and Knockton was sentenced to three years in prison.
Detective's warning to criminals
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton, from Project Medusa, said: "This was a sophisticated drug-dealing operation set up by Lowe and Knockton. We found bin bags full of plastic containers bearing their drug branding, which they used to sell drugs online.
"The turnover they generated is estimated to have been in the region of £150,000 a month, so this is a great result. We have intercepted two drug dealers who thought they were above the law and who were prepared to peddle their filth online.
"Thankfully, they pleaded guilty to their crimes and are now behind bars. Hopefully they will reflect on the misery they have helped to cause families and communities by flooding the streets with drugs.
"Serious organised crime groups are a massive blight on our communities. Drugs are closely linked to serious violence, including firearm and knife crime.
"I hope this sentencing demonstrates that Merseyside Police will leave no stone unturned in pursuing those who believe they are above the law. We will continue to target criminals by thoroughly examining any evidence, messages and images we uncover."
Merseyside Police says its Project Medusa officers lead the force's daily response to county lines activity, working to intercept weapons, drugs and criminal cash while identifying and safeguarding people vulnerable to exploitation by organised crime groups.
Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing or criminal activity in their community can contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. Information can also be provided via the Merseyside Police website or by calling 101. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via its website. In an emergency, always call 999.
