Man jailed for dealing drugs in Ellesmere Port

A man has been jailed for dealing drugs in Ellesmere Port.

Gareth Lancaster, from Hawthorn Road, Ellesmere Port appeared at Chester Crown Court on 31 July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to being concerned in supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B (Cannabis) and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class C drug (Diazepam) at an earlier hearing.

The 37-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison.

The court heard that on Sunday 10th December 2023 at approximately 7.44pm, a vehicle  - KIA V’eed was stopped by officers on Himalayan Birch Close due to the erratic driving behaviour.

Lancaster initially gave false details. The vehicle was checked on police systems and came back registered to another man who stated that Lancaster took his vehicle without permission but he didn’t want to make a complaint to police.

Due to Lancaster’s demeanour during the stop check, he was breathalysed and drugs wiped, both were negative.

However, due to a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, he and the vehicle were searched by officers under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act.

Officers found a white plastic bag filled with large quantity of snap bags of cannabis, a mobile phone, 28 Diazepam tablets belonging that weren’t prescribed to him. He was then arrested.

Further enquiries established Lancaster had been selling both cannabis and cocaine to a number of customers.

DC Matthew Speak said:

“Lancaster is now paying the price for his illegal drug activity thanks to local patrols spotting his driver behaviour and persisting in their questioning.

“We’re out there 24/7 proactively policing the streets of Ellesmere Port as well as acting on information given to us by the public, and we will continue to do so to keep people safe and put those committing crimes through the justice system.”

Pictured - Gareth Lancaster from Hawthorn Road in Ellesmere Port.