13 people sentenced to over 30 years following ongoing drugs investigation

13 people have been sentenced following a Sefton based investigation led by our officers named ‘Operation Cicilian’.

The operation, which commenced in June 2017, saw several people (listed below) reported to be dealing drugs in the South Park area of Bootle with some ‘street dealers’ being as young as 15.

After an extensive investigation, which culminated a vast gathering of evidence, the organised crime group (OCG) were identified. Here, a number ‘safe houses’ around Bootle and Sefton were found to be used to store drugs for re-supply and also for setting up cannabis farms.

Following warrants in early March in Bootle, Fazackerley and Kirkby, officers arrested a number of people on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B drugs with the intent to supply as well as discovering 93 packages of amphetamine with a street value of £24,600, a large amount of Heroin and Cocaine and drug paraphernalia with a street value of between £250,000 and £370,000.

13 people have been sentenced to over 30 years behind bars (listed below):

Ian Johnson, 38, of Trinity Road, Bootle - Pleaded guilty and was given 6 years imprisonment for his involvement.

Gary Lee, 27, of Whitewood Park, Liverpool - Pleaded guilty for conspiracy to supply Class A, B & C drugs and was given 12 years imprisonment.

Emma Mitchell, 29 of Whitewood Park, Liverpool - Found guilty for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and money laundering offences. She was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.

Jamie Hazlett, 23 of Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby - Pleaded guilty for conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment.

Angel Groom, 46 of Peel Road, Bootle - Pleaded guilty for conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs and was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.

Liam Brown, 19 of Othello Close, Liverpool - Found guilty for conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs. He was given 4 years imprisonment.

Joel Hazlett, 19 of Richard Hesketh Drive, Kirkby- Pleaded guilty for conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs and was given 2 years and 6 months imprisonment.

Germaine Redmond, 45 of Southport Road, Bootle - Pleaded guilty for permitting premises to be used for the production of Class B drugs and was given 15 months imprisonment.

Anthony Durnin, 51 of Stuart Grove, Bootle - Pleaded guilty for permitting premises to be used for the production Class B drugs. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment.

Tony Wright, 30 of Bianca Street, Bootle - Pleaded guilty for permitting premises to be used for the production of Class B. He was given an 18 month community order, 150 hours unpaid work and a 3 month curfew.

Michael Hardie, 26 of Patricia Avenue, Bidston - Pleaded guilty for being concerned in the production of Class B. He was given an 18 month community order, 180 hours unpaid work and a 3 month curfew.

A 17 year old boy was sentenced to a 2 year Youth Rehabilitation Order and 3 month curfew.

A 15 year old boy was given a 12 month Referral Order.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Reardon said: “This operation has successfully helped to take a number of offenders off our streets and has put a stop to a significant drugs supplier in Merseyside.

“Our officers are dedicated to targeting organised criminals who pose the most serious threat to our communities and we’re hugely grateful for the support and hard work from all our officers and staff who have been involved in this investigation.

“Our search teams in particular have also been and continue to be imperative in creating a safer environment for the general public to live, work and visit. Those involved in suppling drugs will not get away with it and we’ll continue to bring them to justice.”

Anyone in the community with information is urged to continue helping us investigate crime by reporting any offence to the police via @MerPolCC or by calling 101. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.