The leader of a major county lines drug gang was jailed.
Thomas Ambrose, from Wallasey, appeared in Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, December 12, charged with the supply of crack and heroin. The court heard that Merseyside police were able to prove the 28-year-old was controlling the ‘Curly’ County Line in Chester between October and November.
As a result he was sentenced to three years. The sentencing comes as a result of an investigation into County Lines drug dealing and the criminal exploitation of children through Operation Toxic.
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Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: "Ambrose’s conviction means that his drug dealing has been disrupted where he was supplying heroin and crack cocaine. The organised criminal gangs who operated these County Lines groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities, including children and young people to store and sell drugs.
"Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.
"We are 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. We cannot stop this criminality alone, we need to continue our work with partners and we need the public’s help.
"It’s vital that everyone who cares for or knows young and vulnerable people understands the issue and knows the warning signs, and the more people share this advice the better."
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