Prison term after raid
A DRUG dealer was locked up after a police raided his home during lockdown in Runcorn.
Officers found ‘substantial’ amounts of cannabis when they stormed the home of Ian Ainge on May 29.
He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply the Class B drug and admitted the charge at Chester Crown Court.
Sentencing, Judge Simon Berkson said: “When this country was in effectively total lockdown, the police searched your home address where you admitted to being responsible for drugs and related items.
“There was substantial amounts of cannabis, separated into jars and able to be separated into smaller amounts for sale.”
Ainge, 55, of Davenport Row, Halton Lodge, was sentenced to 18 months.
Speaking after the hearing, Sergeant Phil Brown, of Runcorn Beat Team, said: “This was a great result for the Runcorn Beat Team following an investigation into drug dealing in the town.
“I hope that this result will act as a deterrence to those who believe that they can get away with drug activities in Runcorn.
“Illegal drugs can have a detrimental impact on the local community, so it is crucial that we work to stamp out this type of crime.
“If you have any information about drug offences in your area then please contact Cheshire police via 101, or by visiting https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/
“Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppersuk.org/give-information/ forms/give-informationanonymously.”
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Officers across the Constabulary are working tirelessly to end the misery that illegal drugs can bring to communities.
“I am pleased that Runcorn’s beat management team have prevented these drugs from reaching the town’s streets and although this investigation has now concluded, I know that Cheshire Constabulary’s fight against those who blight our neighbourhood with illegal drugs continues.
“I would urge anyone with information about suspected drug activity in their community to contact Cheshire police.”