A MAN caught selling class A drugs in Northwich has been jailed.

Ryan Stephen Bailey, of Austin Street in Lostock Gralam, was sentenced to three years at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 1.

The 29-year-old was found with quantities of both heroin and crack cocaine when police raided his home on January 26 this year.

Bailey was one of five people arrested in raids orchestrated by Merseyside Police in its crackdown on county lines drug dealing.

The joint operation with Cheshire Police, known as Project Medusa, led to several warrants being executed across the town.

Northwich Guardian: Ryan Stephen Bailey has been jailed for three yearsRyan Stephen Bailey has been jailed for three years

After admitting to two charges of possession with the intent to supply at an earlier hearing, Bailey was handed a three-year prison sentence by judge Michael Leeming.

Judge Leeming also ordered the forfeiture of £410, which will be used by Cheshire Police in its continued fight against drug crimes.

The seized drugs, and other drug dealing paraphernalia, including scales will also be destroyed as part of Bailey's sentence.

He must also pay a £190 surcharge, which will be used to fund victim services.

Following his arrest, Detective Inspector Gary Stratton, of Merseyside Police, said: "Project Medusa is committed to cutting County Lines and this type of activity will continue day in day out to take those criminals, who control these lines, off our streets. 

"County Lines drug dealing not only affects the lives of the drug users, but also the communities in which they operate and the young and vulnerable people who are exploited by these criminals.

"We hope it sends a message out to others involved in this type of criminality that we will take action and you will be arrested and put before the courts."

If you have concerns about drug dealing in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, call Cheshire Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Spotting the signs of someone involved in County Lines can be tricky – if you are worried about someone, visit eyes-open.co.uk for more information.