Jack Blackham was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to seven charges
Jack Blackham(Image: Merseyside Police)
A man ran multiple social media accounts to peddle cocaine, cannabis and nitrous oxide to children and exploited them to sell drugs. Liverpool Crown Court was told that police officers ordered the driver of a silver Ford Kuga to stop on Sefton Street in Toxteth on November 25, 2024.
After a search of the car they found 30 large canisters of nitrous oxide in the footwell and detained Jack Blackham. More canisters were found in the boot of the car and seized.
At a court hearing last month, Blackham, 31, pleaded guilty to seven charges, which included being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug (cocaine), being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug (cannabis), being concerned in the supply of a Class C drug (nitrous oxide) for wrongful inhalation, two counts of possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation, arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation and holding a person in slavery or servitude.
Today, Friday (January 16), Blackham, of New Road, Tuebrook, was sentenced to five years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Kieran Connolly said: “Following an extensive investigation police founds that Blackham controlled several social media accounts to advertise drugs for sale to underage children.
“In addition, Blackham was exploiting these underage associates to peddle his drugs and direct their underage friends to also buy drugs from him.
“Our investigation showed that he exercised power over his young victims who relied on him for money and travel, displaying a clear element of control over them.
“Thankfully Blackham pleaded guilty to all charges including two modern slavery offences. I hope he reflects on his actions and the harm drug dealers cause not only to the people who buy them but to the families and communities they are peddled in too.”
Det Sgt Connolly added: “It is illegal to produce, supply, import or export nitrous oxide for psychoactive purposes. In addition it is also illegal to possess nitrous oxide if the intended purpose is to inhale it and those caught in possession will face consequences.
“Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”
Read more about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership at www.eyes-open.co.uk.You can report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via X @MerPolCC.You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org
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