Four men (one from Talke) sentenced after flooding streets with class A drugs

Four men have been sentenced for their part in a class A drug conspiracy that operated between Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent.

The ‘Jack line’ was bought down following an investigation by officers from our major and organised crime team.

The conspiracy, which ran between June and November 2020, involved the supply of heroin and crack cocaine transported into the Stoke-on-Trent area for street dealing.

The group used a dedicated drug line known as the ‘Jack line’ and safe houses in the city to avoid detection.

However, following a complex investigation and a series of coordinated warrants, four men were arrested and charged.

All four were sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday (9 February) after they pleaded guilty ahead of a trial.

The court heard how Hewitt was the holder of the ‘Jack line’, operating in Liverpool, and recruiting and directing others from the city to supply drugs on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent.

In June 2020, Wilson travelled from Liverpool to Stoke-on-Trent, basing himself in the flat of a drug user. Directed by Hewitt, he sold heroin and crack cocaine to other local users.

Then, in October 2020, Renshaw also travelled from Liverpool and based himself in Stoke-on-Trent.

Again, directed by Hewitt, he sold class A drugs on our streets.

Detective Superintendent Victoria Downing, from our major and organised crime department, said: “This group ran a well-organised supply chain that moved dangerous class A drugs from Liverpool into Stoke-on-Trent, fuelling addiction, exploitation and violence in our communities.

“These outcomes demonstrate our commitment to dismantling county-line networks and bringing those responsible before the courts.

“We will continue to target organised crime relentlessly and encourage the public to report any information that may help protect those at risk.”

We launched Operation Target in May 2023 and have been working hard to identify, disrupt and pursue criminals who plan, organise and commit serious criminal offences across the county, including drug supply, illegal firearms, knife crime, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

If you have any concerns around drug-related activity in your community, contact us by calling 101, or via Live Chat on our website.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Read more on Operation Target: More than 350 arrested as teams tackle serious and organised crime head on | Staffordshire Police

Four men sentenced after flooding streets with class A drugs | Staffordshire Police