A WHITCHURCH man has been jailed for 24 months after pleading guilty to drugs offences following a county lines police operation.

John Jones, 30 of Gambrell Avenue, Whitchurch, was jailed at Shrewsbury Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply in Telford Magistrates' Court in January this year.

Police in Whitchurch carried out Operation Medusa with Merseyside Police, to disrupt Merseyside county lines operating in Shropshire in February 2022.

As part of this Jones was stopped and searched by officers.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "John Jones, 30, of Gambrell Avenue, Whitchurch was given the sentence after he pleaded guilty for possession with intent to supply on January, 10 2023 in Telford Magistrates' Court.

"Whitchurch Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) and our colleagues in Merseyside Police carried out a joint operation, Operation Medusa in February 2022.

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"Operation Medusa was our response to disrupt Merseyside-based county lines operating within Shropshire.

"During this operation, Jones was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine.

"Following the investigation a search of his mobile phone by officers was carried out and messages were found which were consistent with drug dealing."

The spokesperson continued: "Anyone with suspicions that a property is being used to sell drugs, or that a young and vulnerable individual may be getting involved with county lines drug dealing can report this online under the Tell Us About section of our website www.westmercia.police.uk or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

"More information for children and young people about county lines can be found by visiting www.fearless.org.

"Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality."

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The spokesperson continued: "Our county lines operations form part of West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign.

"Protect sees police work closely with partners to tackle serious and organised crime and the harm it causes.

"The broad-ranging campaign comprises four key areas of activity. One is to pursue, prosecute and disrupt those involved in serious organised crime. Another is to prevent and stop individuals from becoming involved in serious organised crime.

"We protect and ensure increased levels of protection against serious organised crime.

"We also prepare to reduce the impact of serious organised crime where it occurs."