TWO men have been jailed after they were found guilty of committing drugs offences in Birkenhead.

Wayne McColl, 48 and Shane Gaffney, 49, both from Claughton, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday.

McColl was sentenced to 32 months; Gaffney to 27 months.

Both were first arrested in June and then again in July last year following a police operation looking into violence being committed in Birkenhead town centre and the links to drug activity.

Officers from #OpTarget local policing team on the Wirral have welcomed the sentencing. 

Sergeant Alan McKeon, who leads the Wirral Op Target team said: "The two men were initially flagged to us by members of the community who reported the men were involved in supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

"On June 5, we spotted McColl in a suspected drug deal and he was consequently arrested after being found in possession of drugs.

"We made a further drugs recovery at his home, where we also found Gaffney.

"Both were arrested for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

Wirral Globe:

Evidence recovered by police during search

"We spotted McColl for a second time on July 19 involved in a drugs transaction so he was arrested again and another search of his home led us to find a substantial amount of crack cocaine and heroin.

"Both men were again arrested and later charged with numerous drugs supply offences."

Wirral Globe:

Evidence recovered by police during search

Sgt McKeon continued: "Although these two men may seem like low-level criminals, they are still bringing dangerous drugs into the community and this can often lead to more serious offences being committed.

"So, it is vital we take every criminal off our streets and provide our law abiding communities with a safe place to live, work and visit.

"Anyone that knows someone involved in crime, no matter what, should get in touch so we can investigate and bring offenders to justice."