'Onion line' heroin and crack dealers undermined by own stupidity

A group of gangs who were behind a million pound drug ring were busted in a major undercover police probe.

11 gangs who were responsible for selling drugs on the streets and playgrounds of Merseyside and Cheshire were subject to a 'diligent and clever' police operation but their own stupidity and arrogance played a part in their downfall.

As reported in the ECHO, pictures and recordings collected by Cheshire Police highlighted how the criminals - many of whom are now behind bars - thought they were untouchable.

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One of the most stunning moves was that of a drug dealing network called the Onion Line.

Named after its leader, Huyton man Steve Unwin, one of the gang’s hotspots was Sankey Valley Park.

It was there they came to the attention of police - who found Unwin had essentially carved his name and address into a tree.

Referring to the Longview estate he grew up on, the carving read: “Onion of Longy, Huyton.” Unwin, 27 and of Hale View Road in Huyton, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison for drugs offences.

Tre Freeman, from St Helens, was a key figure in the Jonno and JJ heroin and crack cocaine lines. The 19-year-old was spotted dealing from a stolen BMW X3 that was later cornered by police after a dramatic pursuit through Newton le-Willows.

Freeman was caught by officers after ditching the vehicle - but no charges were brought after it was unclear whether he was driving at the time of the chase.

The incident provided crucial intelligence on his exploits though and, this week, he was sentenced to six years in a young offenders institution.

Officers recovered images of two drug dealers from another gang making