Couple jailed over county lines drug operation

Michael Abbey and Stephanie McGuire were sentenced to 33 months and 45 months' jail respectively.

A couple have been jailed for running a county lines heroin and cocaine dealing operation.

Stephanie McGuire and Michael Abbey, of Secker Avenue, Warrington, ran the "Manc J" county lines gang, which sent out daily "flare messages" offering heroin and crack cocaine for sale, Cheshire Police said.

The pair, who previously admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, as well as other drug offences, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court.

McGuire, 36, was jailed for a total of 45 months while Abbey, 39, was jailed for 33 months.

Cheshire Police said officers searched the couple's home in March after identifying them as the controllers of the county line, and found four mobile phones which contained messages proving they had been dealing drugs.

County line gangs are urban drug dealers who sell to customers in other areas via dedicated phone lines.

Det Insp Rob Balfour said: "I welcome the sentences handed to Abbey and McGuire and I hope that their convictions send out a warning to other dealers planning to target the Warrington area."

"Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact, not only to drug users, but also the community around them."