Drug kingpin in dramatic Manchester Airport arrest after attempting to flee to Dubai
County lines drug lord, John Joyce, 28, was arrested at Manchester Airport after fleeing to Dubai in an attempt to evade justice – but now he’s behind bars
A ‘county lines’ drug lord arrested at Manchester Airport has been jailed. John Joyce, 28, scarpered to Dubai in a bid to dodge the law.
But he was later arrested for operating a county lines drug network, flooding Greater Manchester’s streets with crack cocaine and heroin. Investigations revealed that Joyce was the mastermind behind the ‘CEE’ line – a mobile number used to peddle the class A drugs.
Greater Manchester Police’s County Lines Team unearthed over 31,000 text messages and 8,700 calls linked to drug dealing activities, including bulk ‘flare’ messages advertising drugs for sale. CCTV footage showed Joyce buying top-up vouchers to keep the drug line operational, while forensic analysis connected Joyce to two personal mobile numbers and vehicles used in the operation.
Upon searching Joyce’s flat, officers found more than 460g of crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia and cash. Having previously fled the country, Joyce, from Stuart Street, Manchester, was arrested upon his return at Manchester Airport.
On Tuesday (December 16), he was sentenced to five years and three months at Minshull Street Crown Court for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and for involvement in the supply of these drugs. All drugs seized during the investigation have been granted forfeiture and destruction orders, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Detective Constable Josh Claxton, from GMP’s County Lines Team, said: “This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling county lines networks that exploit vulnerable people and blight communities. Joyce’s operation was significant and his sentence reflects the harm caused by class A drug supply in Greater Manchester.
“He evaded justice for a long time, but now we are delighted to have locked him up so he can no longer cause damage to people’s lives.”
Joyce appeared in a Crimewatch Live appeal earlier this year as one of 12 individuals sought in connection with either drug or firearms investigations.
He is the first of these wanted suspects to be brought to justice and GMP continues to appeal for information to locate the others.
Det Con Claxton added: “As an investigation team, we are still appealing to find other nominals wanted for being concerned in drugs supply or firearms use across Greater Manchester.
“Many are thought to have fled abroad, so if you see them abroad contact both local police and GMP and do not approach them. Please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency if you spot any of these people or have information. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
