'Manc Mark' locked up after being caught with drugs between his buttocks

A drug dealer known as 'Manc Mark' was caught with more than £2,000-worth of heroin and crack cocaine hidden between his buttocks. Chester Crown Court heard how 'Manc Mark' - whose real name is Liam Smith - was found by police in the village of Little Leigh, near Northwich in Cheshire.

The 36-year-old, from Crumpsall, north Manchester, was spotted by officers who had forced entry into a house on Brakeley Lane, in Little Leigh. Police had suspected that a drug dealer had entered the property - and on arrival, they found Smith.

He was searched by officers from the Northwich Proactive Policing Team, who discovered the Class A drugs being concealed underneath his pants. Smith was arrested following the search, at around 12.50pm on Friday, January 26.

READ MORE: As a harrowing video was shared among neighbours, they simply said: 'Jesus Christ'

His home was later searched by officers, who seized a large amount of designer clothing. Smith, of Brynorme Road, Crumpsall, was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

He pleaded guilty to both counts and was sentenced to four years in prison at Chester Crown Court last Friday (May 3). Following the sentencing, PC Matt Uren of Northwich Proactive Policing Unit said: “Northwich Proactive Policing Team are dedicated to disrupting the drug supply network and this is another example of how we are continually pursuing those intent on making money out of other people’s misery.

"Smith's conviction is the result of a long-running investigation involving detectives here at Northwich, with the support of colleagues from the Op Impact and Op Apollo teams. Intel has suggested that ‘Manc Mark’ had been an active county lines dealer in the Northwich area for a significant period of time, and I have no doubt that his conviction will have a really positive impact on the community.

"While Smith is now behind bars, our campaign against drug dealers is ongoing and we’re committed to doing all we can to can to stop drug activity on the streets of Northwich and make Cheshire a hostile place for criminals. You too can help us by reporting drug dealing in your area to police, every bit of information helps us to gather intelligence and close in on those dealing in illegal drugs.”

Information can be passed on to police in your area by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.