A 25-year-old man from Chester has been sentenced after being found guilty of selling drugs over Instagram.

Daniel Whitfield appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 12 November, where he was sentenced to six years in prison.

Whitfield, of Rake Lane, Chester, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine) and one count of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (Ketamine).

The case against him began in July, when officers became aware of an Instagram account advertising the sale of illegal heroin, cocaine and ketamine in Chester.

Some of the messages included a mobile phone number and included the line 'on all day with power'.

Officers from Chester Proactive CID conducted a number of enquiries in relation to the number, which led to Whitfield being identified as the user of the social media account.

A warrant was subsequently conducted at his home on Rake Lane on Wednesday 30 September.

Whitfield was arrested at the scene, and several items were recovered from the property, including mobile phones and drugs related paraphernalia.

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A number of messages were located during analysis of the phone which related to the supply of illegal drugs.

Whitfield was questioned in relation to the allegations but answered no comment to all the questions put to him by officers. Despite his silence, he was later charged with drugs offences.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Richard Connolley of Chester Proactive CID said: "Whitfield thought that by using social media to deal illegal drugs he would be able to avoid detection.

"However, he seriously underestimated the determination of the team here at Chester and he's now facing the consequences of his actions.

"While this case has now concluded, our fight against illegal drugs remains ongoing and we're committed to doing all we can to ensure that those who bring harm to our communities are held accountable.

"I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in Chester to get in touch."

Information can be reported online or via 101. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.