Chorley drug dealer jailed for five years after running cocaine operation from rented garage
Lee Anthony Gowan, 32, of Lydgate, Chorley, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison after he admitted possession with intent to supply class A controlled drugs.
Police identified Gowan as a major player in the Chorley drug dealing scene after officers received intelligence from the public.
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Hide AdAt approximately 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 31, the West Lancashire Target Team and Chorley Intelligence Unit targeted Gowan after suspecting that he was involved in the distribution and sale of high purity cocaine in the Chorley area.
Officers stopped Gowan outside a garage in Hodder Avenue, a ten minute walk from his home, which he had rented as a base for his drug dealing.
Gowan initially tried to flee from the arresting officers in the direction of Moor Road, but was swiftly detained after a brief foot chase.
Officers searched Gowan and found he was in possession of a large quantity of high purity cocaine with a potential street value of £7,000.
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Hide AdA set of digital scales and hundreds of pounds in cash was also found on his person.
Officers then carried out a search of the garage which Gowan had been using. An hydraulic press was found which they believed Gowan had been using to cut up and press the cocaine.
Gowan was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, charged and remanded.
Upon further investigation, officers identified text messages on his phone which revealed that Gowan had sourced large quantities of drugs from outside Lancashire.