Two men plead guilty to drug dealing in Ellesmere Port

Two men have pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of class A drugs in Ellesmere Port.

Gary Harmes, 43, of Kingsley Road, Ellesmere Port, appeared at Chester Crown court on Thursday 6th February where he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine) and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine).

The 43-year-old also admitted possession of a controlled class B drug (Cannabis).

Callum Mozzano, 24, of Woodfield Road, Ellesmere Port, had already pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine) at an earlier hearing on Friday 10th January.

The pair are set to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday 21st March.

Harmes and Mozzano were both arrested as part of Operation Ironworks, an investigation into the supply of crack cocaine in Ellesmere Port.

The case began on Friday 9th June 2023 when Harmes was stopped by officers on patrol in the town.

During a search, officers discovered six street deals of crack cocaine and a larger bag of crack cocaine weighing 3.25 grams. He was also in possession of two mobile phones and a set of scales.

Harmes was arrested and a search was conducted at his home on Kingsley Road where officers recovered bicarbonate of soda, which is often used in the production of crack cocaine.

He was subsequently released under investigation pending the examination of mobile phones, telecoms and forensic examination of the drugs seized.

During the analysis of the phones, officers discovered that Harmes had been working with Mozzano and the pair had been in charge of a mobile phone which was being used to sell illegal drugs in the town.

The phone was being used on a regular basis to send flare messages offering to supply crack cocaine.

After gathering a catalogue of evidence Harmes and Mozzano were both arrested on Friday 29 December and the pair were later charged with various drugs offences.

Following the guilty pleas, Detective Sergeant Roy Wellings, of Ellesmere Port Proactive CID said:

“The team here at Ellesmere Port are dedicated to disrupting the drug supply network and this is another example of how we are continually pursuing those intent on making money out of other people’s misery.

“We recognise that drugs and drug use have a detrimental effect on our communities, and we will stop at nothing to rid the streets of this illegal activity.

“You too can help us by reporting drug dealing in your area to police. Every bit of information helps us to gather intelligence and close in on those dealing in illegal drugs.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website:

www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us/

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111