West Derby Man Jailed for 10 Years in Major Drug Supply Investigation

A West Derby man has been sentenced to 10 years in jail as part of a significant drug supply investigation by Merseyside Police. Wayne Garnett, 34, of Rosegarth Green, was found guilty last week following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

Garnett was convicted of multiple offences, including being concerned in the supply of Cocaine, Cannabis, Ketamine, and Ecstasy. He was also found guilty of possession of criminal property. The sentencing follows an investigation launched in September 2025 by the Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation team into County Lines drug dealing.

Enquiries identified Garnett's involvement in drug supply, leading to a warrant where drugs, cash, and paraphernalia were seized from an address. Garnett was subsequently arrested.

Detective Inspector Steve Croasdale from the Child Criminal and Sexual Exploitation Team (CCSET) stated: "Garnett is a cowardly, callous drug dealer. If you suspect that someone you know may be susceptible to criminal or sexual exploitation, please come forward to police immediately. We will deal swiftly alongside partners to safeguard victims and target and bring to justice those who seek to control and manipulate vulnerable members of our community. By working closely with local policing teams, we are able to combine specialist County Lines expertise with vital local intelligence to take decisive action against offenders, disrupt drug supply and safeguard vulnerable people. This activity is ongoing, and our message to those involved is clear – we will keep coming."

Local Area & Safety Context

West Derby is a district and ward within Liverpool, located in the northeast of the city. The nearest railway station to West Derby is Broad Green, approximately 1.89 miles away, and Tuebrook Police Station is about 1.73 miles distant.

Recent data indicates that drug-related crime remains a concern across Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region. As of March 2026, the annual crime rate in the Liverpool postcode area stands at 12.1 crimes per 1000 people, with drug offences accounting for 10.1% of all reported crimes. This represents an 18.0% increase year-over-year for drug crimes. Liverpool is ranked as one of the most dangerous cities for drugs, with a crime rate of 13.24 per 1,000 daytime population, and Merseyside is the most dangerous region for drugs, recording 8.6 offences per 1,000 people in 2026.

More locally, specific West Derby postcodes show drug crime incidents. In November 2025, the L12 0YP area recorded 183 total crimes, with drugs making up 9.3% of these. In January 2026, the L12 4UY area saw 190 total crimes, with drugs accounting for 10.0%. Overall, the crime rate in Liverpool for the year ending September 2025 was higher than the average for the Merseyside area.

Official Advice & Support

County Lines drug dealing involves organised criminal groups using phone lines to transport and supply drugs, often exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues. Signs that someone may be involved in County Lines exploitation include repeatedly going missing from home or school, having unexplained new money or possessions, receiving numerous texts or calls, being secretive about who they are speaking to, a decline in school or work performance, and significant changes in emotional or physical well-being. Another tactic used by gangs is "cuckooing," where they take over a vulnerable person's home to use as a base for drug dealing.

Merseyside Police, in conjunction with the "Eyes Open" campaign, actively works to raise awareness about child criminal exploitation and County Lines. For help spotting the signs of someone involved in suspected County Lines, or if you are worried about someone you think may be involved, visit http://www.eyes-open.co.uk to learn more.

If you or someone you know needs support related to drug exploitation or addiction, several organisations can help. Victim Support is an independent charity offering free and confidential practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. Their Supportline is available on 08 08 16 89 111, or you can use their live chat service. Catch22 provides specialist support and rescue services for young people and their families affected by criminal exploitation through County Lines. The St Giles Trust is also a leading charity dedicated to tackling County Lines through prevention, intervention, and long-term support for at-risk young people. Additionally, Change Grow Live is a national health and social care charity offering free and confidential treatment, support, and information for drug and alcohol use, housing, justice, health, and wellbeing, including services for children and young people. Adfam is a leading charity supporting families affected by someone else's drug use.

Anyone with any information about drug-related activity is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101 or contact @MerPolCC on Facebook and X. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report via their website. Information to Crimestoppers is anonymous, and no personal details are taken.

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Source Verification

This article is based on an official press release issued by a UK Police Force.
Document: West Derby man jailed for 10 years for drug supply offences
Source Link: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2026/april-2026/west-derby-man-jailed-for-10-years-for-drug-supply-offences/