A drug dealer who sent hundreds of daily text messages advertising cocaine in Widnes has been jailed after police traced the mobile phone used to send the mass of “flare” messages. Bentley Lang-Cole, 23, of Smithdown Road in Liverpool, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on August 6.
Investigation and arrest
Lang-Cole had earlier pleaded guilty to being concerned in the offer to supply cocaine. He was identified following an investigation led by Widnes Proactive CID into the supply of illegal drugs into the town. Enquiries led officers to a mobile phone number used by Lang-Cole to send hundreds of daily flare messages advertising the sale of cocaine to users in Widnes.
He was arrested during a warrant at his address. During searches, officers seized a large quantity of cash and the phone Lang-Cole used to sell the drugs.
Police response
A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “Illegal drugs have a devastating impact on our communities, and we’re committed to doing all we can to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
“In Lang-Cole’s case, he thought that he’d be able to hide his activity by using a graft phone to peddle his illegal drugs. However, he clearly underestimated the dedication of the team here at Widnes and is now paying the price for his actions.
“While Lang-Cole is now behind bars, our fight against illegal drugs remains ongoing, and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in Widnes to get in touch.”
