Man sentenced to over five years in prison for running county lines drug operation

John Joyce (20/02/1997) of Stuart Street, Manchester, was jailed for five years and three months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 16 December 2025 for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and for being concerned in the supply of crack and heroin.

Joyce was identified as operating a county lines drugs network supplying class A drugs across Greater Manchester.

The investigation found Joyce was the controller of the “CEE” line, a mobile number used to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. The investigation, led by our County Lines Team, uncovered extensive evidence of drug supply, including:

• Over 31,000 text messages and 8,700 calls linked to drug dealing activity.
• Bulk “flare” messages advertising drugs for sale.
• CCTV footage showing Joyce purchasing top-up vouchers for the drugs line.
• Forensic analysis linking Joyce to two personal mobile numbers and vehicles used during the operation.
• A search of Joyce’s Manchester apartment uncovered more than 460g of crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

Forfeiture and destruction orders have been granted for all drugs seized during the investigation.

Joyce fled the UK to Dubai in an attempt to evade justice but was arrested upon his return at Manchester Airport in October 2025.

He featured in a Crimewatch Live appeal earlier this year as one of 12 nominals wanted in relation to either drug or firearms investigations.

Joyce is the first of these wanted men to be brough to justice and we are still appealing to find the others. 

Detective Constable Josh Claxton, of our 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.

“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.”