Four men sentenced after flooding streets with class a drugs
Four men have been sentenced for their roles in a class A drug conspiracy that operated between Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent.
Last updated 11th Feb 2026
The conspiracy, known as the ‘Jack line’, ran from June to November 2020, supplying heroin and crack cocaine into the Stoke-on-Trent area for street dealing. Officers from the major and organised crime team dismantled the operation following a complex investigation and a series of coordinated warrants.
All four men appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday 9 February and pleaded guilty ahead of trial. Their sentences are as follows:
- Gary Hewitt, 27, from Halewood, Liverpool – 8 years and 1 month for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
- Adam Wilson, 29, from St Helens, Merseyside – 3 years and 9 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
- James Renshaw, 23, from Halewood, Liverpool – 2 years and 6 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
- Simon Minor, 49, from Talke, Stoke-on-Trent – 20-month suspended sentence for supplying crack cocaine and allowing his premises to be used.
The court heard that Hewitt operated the Jack line in Liverpool, recruiting and directing others to sell drugs in Stoke-on-Trent.
In June 2020, Wilson travelled from Liverpool and based himself in a flat belonging to a drug user, selling heroin and crack cocaine under Hewitt’s direction.
In October 2020, Renshaw also came to Stoke-on-Trent and supplied class A drugs under Hewitt’s instruction.
Detective Superintendent Victoria Downing of the major and organised crime department said:
“This group ran a well-organised supply chain that moved dangerous class A drugs from Liverpool into Stoke-on-Trent, fuelling addiction, exploitation and violence in our communities.
“These outcomes demonstrate our commitment to dismantling county-line networks and bringing those responsible before the courts.
“We will continue to target organised crime relentlessly and encourage the public to report any information that may help protect those at risk.”
The sentences form part of Operation Target, launched in May 2023, which has aimed to identify and disrupt criminals involved in serious offences across Staffordshire, including drug supply, illegal firearms, knife crime, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
Anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their community is encouraged to contact Staffordshire Police via 101, Live Chat on their website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.