A county lines drug dealer from Manchester who was dealing class A drugs in Crewe has been jailed.

Mustafa Ahmed appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday 21 October where he was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months.

The 25-year-old of Freetown Close, Manchester, had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the offer to supply crack cocaine, two counts possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin), one count of being concerned in the offer to supply heroin, and possession of criminal property.

The investigation began after officers identified a county lines gang operating in the Crewe area and actively supplying drugs.

Telecoms analysis linked a mobile phone number used by the gang to advertise the sale of drugs.

The number routinely sent multiple messages simultaneously, known as 'flare' messages, to drug users across the local area.

On Thursday 18 June, plain clothed officers on patrol near to Owen Street, Crewe, spotted what appeared to be a drug deal taken place between Ahmed and a known drug user.

Ahmed was subsequently arrested while officers searched his vehicle, which was parked nearby. During the search, officers recovered several wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a quantity of cash and a silver necklace.

Officers also seized a mobile phone used by Ahmed in the distribution and supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Ben Harrington said: "Ahmed targeted Crewe believing it would be an easy place to deal drugs. What he didn't realise was that officers were already hot on his trail.

"Following a thorough investigation, we were able to build a comprehensive casefile of evidence against Ahmed, leaving him with no option but to plead guilty to the offences against him.

"We remain committed to tackling county lines drug dealing and protecting our communities from the harm it causes.

"Anyone who believes drug activity is taking place in their communities is urged to contact us on 101 or visit the website."

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