A Manchester man has been jailed for running a county lines drug operation
John Joyce aged 28 of Stuart Street was jailed for five years and three months for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and for being concerned in the supply of crack and heroin.
Joyce was identified as operating a county lines drugs network supplying class A drugs across Greater Manchester.
Joyce featured in a Crimewatch Live appeal earlier this year as one of 12 nominals wanted in relation to either drug or firearms investigations.
Joyce fled the UK to Dubai in an attempt to evade justice but was arrested upon his return at Manchester Airport in October 2025.
Detective Constable Josh Claxton, of our County Lines Team, said: “This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling county lines networks that exploit vulnerable people and blight communities.
“Joyce’s operation was significant and his sentence reflects the harm caused by class A drug supply in Greater Manchester. He evaded justice for a long time, but now we are delighted to have locked him up so he can no longer cause damage to people’s lives.
“As an investigation team, we are still appealing to find other nominals wanted for being concerned in drugs supply or firearms use across Greater Manchester.
