Drug dealer buried tub of crack cocaine in back garden in Bootle

Merseyside Police said Lee Harrison's sentence would send a message to drug dealers

A man who buried crack cocaine in a back garden has been jailed for three years and four months.

Merseyside Police said officers found 1.1lb (500g) of the drug worth £44,000 at a house on Akenside Street in Bootle during a search in September 2023.

Lee Harrison, 27, of Lonsdale Road, Litherland, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine).

Police said the drug would have caused harm on the streets of Merseyside.

A police spokesman said officers found a carrier bag buried in soil which contained a tub of crack cocaine which was found to be 82% pure after testing.

Lee Harrison was jailed for three years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court

Sgt Kris Allinson said: "Our officers found a substantial quantity of a dangerous illegal drug that was destined to cause harm on the streets of Merseyside and further afield.

"I hope this result sends out a message to those involved in the dealing of Class A drugs that our officers will continue to target those who are prepared to risk the health of vulnerable people purely for personal gain."

The warrant was executed by officers from Operation Pelican, Merseyside Police's initiative to infiltrate county lines drug dealing.

Harrison was sentenced to three years and four months at Liverpool Crown Court.