County lines dealer who hid crack cocaine in his underpants to sell drugs in Chorley jailed

Paul Bolton was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after he ran away from plain clothes officers on Eaves Green Road on December 16, 2019.

After being chased by police the 22-year-old was reportedly found attempting to discard a bag containing wraps of crack cocaine in a garden in Moor Road.

Police found he was found in possession of over £200 in cash and a mobile phone which contained messages related to drug-dealing.

More wraps of crack cocaine were also found hidden in Bolton's underpants when he was searched in custody.

Bolton, of Little Moss Hey, Liverpool, appeared at Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs last month (August).

He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.

PC Sean Dalby, of the South Divisional Target Team, said: "I am pleased with the sentence imposed on Bolton and it sends out a clear message that Lancashire Police will disrupt drug-dealing activity and prosecute the offenders.

"Through diligent investigation it was clear that Bolton was part of a larger county lines drug running operation from Liverpool, with the aim of exploiting vulnerable drug users in Chorley.

"I would like to reassure the people of Chorley, and the wider community of Lancashire that we are taking this type of crime seriously and will continue to deal robustly with all people involved in drug dealing.

"If you have any information about drug dealing in your area please let us know and we will always act on it."

Forfeiture orders were made for the cash and mobile phone, and a forfeiture and destruction order was made for the drugs.

Anyone with concerns about criminality in their area can call police on 101 or report it online at https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/