Pair caught at rail station with 2.2 kilograms of amphetamines jailed – Merseyside

Two drug dealers caught with a large quantity of amphetamines at a Merseyside station have been jailed for a total of two years following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

The pair from Hull were stopped by BTP’s County Lines Taskforce at the Merseyside rail station as they waited for a Manchester-bound service.

Gary Dunn, 45, of Devon Street, Hull, and Carl Hampton, 35, of Newtown Court, Hull, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 9 December 2021 where they pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply drugs of Class B status.

Both men appeared before a judge on Friday 14 January. Dunn was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, and Hampton to 12 months.

On Tuesday 9 November 2021, plain clothed officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce spotted Dunn and Hampton walking around Huyton station.

They approached the pair who were sat in the shelter of platform two and engaged them in conversation, however both men seemed nervous.

Hampton then placed a brown paper bag on the seat next to him and the officers noticed a large vacuum sealed bag inside it containing a white powdered substance.

Suspecting the substance was drugs, the officers arrested them both on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. As they did so Hampton said, “I’ve been stitched up”.

Analysis of the drugs found in their possession revealed it to be 2.2 kilograms of amphetamines with an estimated street value of £15,000.

Detective Inspector Matt Davies said: “Dunn and Hampton were foolish to think they could utilise the railway in their drug dealing operation, thankfully our inconspicuous officers were able to intercept the Hull pair and seize the large haul before it reached its intended destination.

“Our teams can pop up anywhere on the network, in uniform or plain clothing and often accompanied by drug detection dogs.

“Whether you see us or not, we’re on trains and at stations across the UK tackling drug supply wherever it occurs.

“To anyone considering using the network to peddle drugs into our communities, I would advise you to think twice – we will catch you and bring you to justice.”

Dunn (left) & Hampton (right):