TWO drug dealers have been jailed after more than 100 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were found at an address in Winsford.

Stephen Whiteland, of Snowdonia Way, Winsford, and Josh Bennett, of St Domingo Grove, Liverpool, both pleaded guilty to possession of the class A drugs with intent to supply them.

They were sentenced for the offences at Chester Crown Court on Monday, April 15.

Whiteland, 39, has been jailed for 35 months and Bennett, 20, was sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Acting on intelligence relating to drug dealing activity, officers detained the pair near to Whiteland’s home on Wednesday 16 August 2017 and then executed a search warrant at the property.

Bennett, who was staying at the address, was found in possession of more than £400.

A total of 107 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine with a total street value of around £1,150 were discovered in a plastic container hidden in a light fitting inside Whiteland’s home.

Traces of Whiteland’s DNA were found on the plastic box that the class A drugs were in.

Handwritten records of drug deals were also discovered inside the property.

Sergeant Daniel Haddock said: “I would like to thank all the officers and staff involved in this investigation for all their hard work in securing these convictions.

“Removing those involved in class A drug dealing from our communities is of paramount importance as they have a hugely detrimental impact, causing widespread misery.

“I hope that the sentences handed to Whiteland and Bennett hammers home the message that drug dealing in Winsford and the wider Cheshire area will not be tolerated.

“I also hope that they deter others from getting involved in the supply of illegal drugs.”

On top of their custodial sentences, Whiteland and Bennett were each ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

The money Bennett was found in possession of was subjected to a forfeiture order.

Sgt Haddock said: “Although this case has now been concluded our fight against drug dealers goes on and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to come forward with the details.

“Rest assured that you will be listened to and we will investigate your suspicions.

“Breaking the cycle of serious and organised crime is very difficult and while we work with our partners we need the public to be extra eyes and ears and to come forward with information.”

Suspected drug dealing activity can be reported to Cheshire Constabulary directly by calling 101. Alternatively information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.