‘Birchy Team’ Drug Gang Busted in Ellesmere Port
Michael Birch, 53, from Forge Road in Little Sutton, led a vicious drug gang known as the ‘Birchy Team’. For months, Birch directed dealers Ryan Huckle, Macauley Smith, and Gary Beck to push heroin and crack cocaine all over town.
Police Raid Uncovers ‘Graft’ Phones and Stash
On 11 February, cops raided Birch’s home. They found ‘graft’ phones used to sell the drugs, weighing scales, £740 in cash, heroin cutting agent, and a list of local addicts. Smith was caught leaving the house, carrying £1,580 of crack cocaine and £960 of heroin, plus a customer list matching Birch’s.
Four Gang Members Nabbed and Sentenced
- Birch got five years behind bars at Chester Crown Court on 1 April.
- Smith landed 28 months for his role.
- Huckle received 27 months on 16 February for intent to supply crack cocaine.
- Gary Beck was jailed for 42 months on 7 January for possession with intent to supply heroin and crack.
Police Vow to Keep Tackling Drug Crime
Detective Constable Roy Wellings said: “This gang was one of the busiest and largest heroin and crack cocaine supply teams in Ellesmere Port at the time. I welcome the sentencing and hope it deters others thinking they can get away with drug crimes in our town.
“We will keep working tirelessly to rid our streets of gangs like this and end the misery drugs cause local communities.
“If anyone has concerns about drug activity, please contact Cheshire Police on 101.”
