Leigh-based drug dealer jailed after County Lines investigation

Codenamed 'Operation Treatment', Greater Manchester's County Lines Team launched an investigation last year to identify those involved in a class A and B drug supply, branded the ‘blue’ line, which worked predominantly out of Wigan and the nearby areas.

Yanick Nzerasse, 28, of Winward Street, Leigh, was identified as being in charge of the drugs line after concerned members of the public identified Nzerasse as drug dealing in Wigan town centre, regularly sending bulk messages out to customers to advertise his drugs.

On 16 November 2023, CCTV captured Nzerasse openly dealing drugs to people in a local park close to Wigan town centre. Police responded to the incident, and despite Nzerasse trying to make off from police, he was later detained and arrested.

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Nzerasse wanted to be the 'biggest drug dealer who made it out of Stockwell' (Image: GMP) When alerted to the police, Nzerasse disposed of the drugs he had on him so was released under investigation.

Nevertheless, detectives continued to build their case around Nzerasse and executed a warrant at his home on Monday, March 4.

Nzerasse was found to be in possession of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, of an estimated value of almost £6,000.

Police also recovered the mobile phone which was operating the drugs line. Additional phones, snap bags, and digital scales were also recovered, further adding to the conspiracy that police were building.

Extensive phone analysis evidenced the scale of his drug dealing, with thousands of bulk messages being sent to customers daily.

Messages from his girlfriend claimed Nzerasse was "only concerned about being the biggest drug dealer that made it out of Stockwell [in London]".

Following the County Lines investigation, Nzerasse, was jailed for five years after appearing at Bolton Crown Court today (Tuesday, October 22).

Police reported that Nzerasse was openly drug dealing in Mesnes park in Wigan (Image: GMP) Detective Sergeant Schofield from our County Lines Team said: “This was an effective investigation which has shut down a prolific drugs line. Nzerasse got too comfortable with his illicit enterprise but after several months of hard work, we’ve been able to secure a positive conviction.

“County lines drugs operations often have a life changing impact on the lives involved and those who are most vulnerable, and we will continue to move at pace to tackle those who are involved within those activities and protect our communities from this illegal activity.”

If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this to GMP directly on 101 or by reporting information using our online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk. You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.