A COUNTY lines drug dealer from Wirral has been jailed.

James Byrne, 22, of Thornburn Road, New Ferry was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today (Thursday, February 1) for supplying heroin and crack cocaine.

Byrne was identified by Operation Toxic officers as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in the New Ferry and Woodchurch area of Wirral.

Officers carried out a warrant on Thorburn Road in December 2022, where they arrested Byrne.

He was later charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and was remanded in custody.

He has now been jailed for six years for the supply of Class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “I hope that this sentencing proves that crime does not pay, and we will work tirelessly to make sure those who try to profit from the sale of illegal drugs are handed lengthy jail terms for their crimes.

“Project Medusa and teams across the force are working day in, day out, to tackle county lines drug dealing and the exploitation of young, vulnerable people in our communities.

“Information from the public is vital to continue to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets, and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.”

Operation Toxic is part of Project Medusa – a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation across the country. This operation runs alongside the Clear, Hold, Build project, known locally as EVOLVE, which launched in the Woodchurch, Beechwood and Noctorum areas in May 2023.

If you have any information about County Lines activity in your area DM @MerPolCC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always call 999.