James Furlong, 23, has been sentenced to three years in prison after Merseyside Police discovered cannabis plants growing in a bedroom cupboard next to a baby's cot. The arrest was made following an investigation by Project Medusa, a crackdown on County Lines drug operations.
Arrest and Investigation
Police seized Furlong's mobile phone in St Helens in October last year after suspecting him of drug dealing. Messages on the phone revealed he had been offering cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and cannabis for sale. Officers then raided his home on Logwood Road in Huyton, where they found cannabis plants in a cupboard adjacent to a baby's cot.
Furlong admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, as well as the production of cannabis. He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, June 26.
Project Medusa and Community Impact
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Stratton from Project Medusa stated: “Officers turned up at his home to arrest Furlong for what they’d found on his phone. Despite already being under investigation, you can imagine the surprise when they discovered cannabis plants growing in a cupboard next to the cot with cables surrounding it, potentially putting the baby's life in danger of a fire.”
DCI Stratton added: “Organised crime destroys communities and the lives of those taking drugs and those who are often coerced into dealing them on behalf of these gangs. The gangs who operate these lines use young and vulnerable people to do their dirty work for them and we need to put a stop to this.”
Police Appeal for Information
Merseyside Police urge anyone with information about drug-related crime to come forward. Information can be reported via the police website, by calling 101, or through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
