A man from Liverpool who played a leading role in the supply of Class A drugs has been jailed following a Merseyside Police investigation into County Lines drug dealing in Cumbria.
Thomas Forshaw, aged 20, of Liverpool was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 21 July) to more than four years in prison after he was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of cannabis and proceeds of crime offences.
Forshaw was convicted of being a driving force in as many as three separate county lines networks in Cumbria and Lancashire.
The court heard how Forshaw was introduced and “wooed” by more sophisticated criminal family members but then embraced his role willingly and enthusiastically.
Officers seized approximately £19,000 worth of designer clothing from his home in Liverpool earlier this year.
Officers from Project Medusa then charged Forshaw with several drug offences in March 2022 when he was 19.
He was found guilty following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court of several drug offences and money laundering.
Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said, “Extensive investigations spanning across Cumbria and Lancashire into organised illegal drug-dealing networks revealed Forshaw’s clear involvement as a leading figure in county lines. The criminality he was involved in could have caused immense suffering to families and residents nationwide.
“Project Medusa is a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation. Our officers are dedicated to taking those who operate them off our streets and work with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”
“I hope this result shows that Merseyside Police, will continue to target criminals like Forshaw by thoroughly investigating any organised crime groups who run County Lines.”
You can read more here about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the
Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: www.eyes-open.co.uk 
You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.
Additionally, You can pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
Image: Thomas Forshaw
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter