Man receives 12-year jail sentence after drugs bust in Widnes

John Grace, 58, was convicted today, Thursday, after a police exercise targeting those suspected of supplying drugs in Merseyside.

A registered taxi driver residing on Waresley Crescent, Liverpool, Grace was deemed to be the head of an organised crime group supplying class A drugs in the county.

He was arrested on January 11 last year following a seizure in Widnes which also recovered four kilos of cocaine with a street value in excess of £60,000.

North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) have welcomed the sentencing, with Detective Inspector Nick Hughes stating they are committed to taking dangerous substances and people off the streets.

The drugs recovered

"The sentencing of Grace is a result of a long-running and complex operation in relation to suspected heroin and cocaine supply and money laundering offences, which we have been investigating since May 2017,” he said.

"We will continue, with the support of police forces across the north west and beyond, to target those suspected of being involved in the supply and distribution of drugs and put them before the courts.

“Drug dealers often only think of themselves and their financial gain, not thinking of the ripple effects these substances have on those who use drugs, their families and friends.

“We want Merseyside to be a safe and secure county, and I would encourage the public to report those involved in supplying drugs.”

If you suspect drug dealers are operating in your area, police urge you to direct message @MerPolCC on Twitter or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 so they can investigate accordingly.