Drugs Bust in Cumbria: Three Jailed for Heroin and Crack Cocaine Supply
Three offenders have landed behind bars after being caught with a stash of heroin and crack cocaine worth thousands. Sean Burton, 19, from Wolverhampton, Tracie Barnes, 42, of Bolton, and Anthony Griffin, 62, also of Bolton, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court for drug offences and possession of a knife.
Prison Sentences for Drug Supply
- Sean Burton: Two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs plus knife possession. Sentenced to two years in prison.
- Tracie Barnes: Two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Sentenced to 25 months in prison.
- Anthony Griffin: Conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Sentenced to 22 months in prison.
How Police Nabbed the Drug Trio
It all kicked off on Monday afternoon, 25 July 2022, when a sharp-eyed police officer spotted Burton acting suspiciously near Raglan Court, Barrow. Burton jumped into a BMW with Barnes and Griffin behind the wheel. The vehicle was stopped 10 miles down the road on the A590 near Witherslack.
During the search, officers found £1,500 cash and 68.6 grams of heroin and crack cocaine wrapped up in dozens of individual bags—valued between £3,000 and £6,000. A knife was also recovered from the car.
Phones Reveal Drug Dealing Network
Officers seized phones linking the trio to a drug ring:
- Burton’s phone showed bulk messaging advertising heroin and crack sales.
- Barnes’ phone contained messages arranging the Barrow trip, with Griffin paid £100 as driver.
- Griffin’s phone revealed multiple journeys to Wolverhampton collecting Burton, transport to Liverpool for £250 per trip, plus evidence of crack cocaine purchases and providing Burton a place to stay.
Denials Fall Flat in Court
All three gave prepared statements denying involvement in supply. Barnes admitted drug use but denied dealing. Burton refused to comment in interview. Griffin claimed no knowledge of the drugs in his vehicle.
“Class A drug use wrecks communities and Cumbria Police is committed to stopping and bringing to justice those people who seek to come to the county to prey on vulnerable addicts,” said a spokesperson for South Cumbria Community Serious & Organised Crime Unit.
It was a sharp officer’s suspicion and swift action that stopped this drug ring in its tracks, seizing a significant haul and locking up three criminals for their role in poisoning local communities.
