Men jailed for drugs offences in Ellesmere Port

Two men have been jailed for a combined seven years and nine months for supplying class A drugs in Ellesmere Port.

James Matthews, 19, of Naylor Road, Ellesmere Port, was jailed for two years and three months at Chester Crown Court on Monday 27 November.

Phillip Burns, 32, of Flint Court, Ellesmere Port, was jailed for five years and six months.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

The investigation began on 2 June 2023 when Matthews was stop searched. Wraps of white powder, two bags of cannabis, two mobile phones and a quantity of cash were found in his possession.

He attempted to flee but was detained a short distance later where he was arrested and transported to custody.

Matthews was interviewed and released under investigation, pending further enquiries.  

While Matthews was under investigation, enquiries revealed a phone number which was identified as a graft number responsible for the supply of cocaine. Further investigations attributed both Matthews and Burns to this number.

As a result, on 12 October, a warrant was executed at Burns’ home address where he was arrested.

Matthews was arrested a second time following fresh evidence. He was located at an address in Ellesmere Port where bags of cocaine, cash, digital scales, food bags, a phone, and a notebook were seized.

Both Matthews and Burns were charged on 13 October.

Following the sentencing, PC Lee Ashbrook said:

“As a result of this investigation, we have been able to remove two people intent on supplying drugs off the streets.

“Matthews even continued his offending behaviour while under investigation, but thanks to officers’ hard work, Matthews and Burns are now facing the consequences of their actions.

“This is a great result for the community, but I would continue to urge anyone who notices this behaviour where they live to report it to us.”