Three men were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on 5 November 2026 after admitting their roles in a conspiracy to supply cannabis, cocaine and other drugs across Runcorn.[1][2] The three defendants were handed prison sentences totalling more than 11 years.[1] Kieron Banks, 34, of Juniper Grove in Runcorn, was jailed for five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis alongside two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs involving cocaine and dimethyltryptamine.[1][2] Karl Morgan, 38, of Navigation Close in Murdishaw, was sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment after admitting two counts of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs involving cannabis and amphetamine and two Class A supply counts.[1][2] John Ungi, 36, of Downside in Widnes, was also sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment after admitting two Class B conspiracy counts involving cannabis and amphetamine alongside three Class A supply counts.[1][2]
Cheshire Constabulary officers uncovered the conspiracy after executing a search warrant at an address on Norton Hill in Runcorn on 29 September 2026 following intelligence about drug dealing.[1][2] Ungi was inside the flat when police arrived but jumped from a first-floor window and ran from the scene.[1][2] Officers arrested Ungi after a short pursuit and recovered cash and a mobile phone.[1][2] A search of the Norton Hill property uncovered quantities of drugs, cash, scales, supplier lists and documents linked to Ungi and Morgan.[1][2]
Following enquiries, officers stopped a vehicle connected to Morgan near Junction 11 of the M56 motorway.[1][2] Morgan was driving the vehicle while Banks was travelling as a passenger.[1][2] While officers conducted the traffic stop, a member of the public reported seeing Banks throw an item from the vehicle.[1][2] Police later recovered a blue bag containing cannabis valued at more than £8,000.[1][2] Messages found on multiple mobile phones seized from the three men showed they were working together to supply drugs, leading to their charges.[1][2] PC Ethan Lines of the Runcorn Beat Team said the investigation showed the trio worked together to supply drugs in the local area and that the evidence against them was overwhelming.[1][2]
