A 29-year-old Huyton man has been jailed for three years and nine months for drugs supply offences in Inverness after he was snared by a joint Police Scotland and Merseyside Police operation..
Ryan Finlay pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cannabis through what is called a County Line – a way of transporting illegal narcotics from cities to other parts of the UK.
The joint investigation by the two forces into the County Line running between Liverpool and Inverness revealed that Finlay was the controller and even posted drugs to Inverness.
Officers arrested Finlay after finding cocaine and cannabis at his address, he was then remanded in custody until he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 9 January.
Finlay pleaded guilty and was jailed for three years and nine months.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton who works on Project Medusa, the Merseyside Police response to County Lines, said: “Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. We hope this sentence acts as a deterrent to people considering illegal behaviour.
“Those involved pay no notice to borders so it is vital we share intelligence and resources, in order to target networks, safeguard vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
“Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, their criminal intent and greed.
“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”
He added: “Information from the public is vital to continue to break down the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets, and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”