Man from Bolton jailed after drugs and cash found in his bedroom

Today (Thursday 13 August 2026) A man from Bolton has been jailed for drugs offences and possession of criminal property.

Christopher Thornton, 43, of Rowsley Avenue, Bolton, was sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to concerned in the supply of cocaine, concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession of criminal property.

On 10 June 2022, officers from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) with support from Bolton Police Operation Challenger Team executed a warrant at Thornton’s home address.

When officers asked Thornton if there were any illegal drugs or large amounts of monies in the address, Thornton replied with “yes upstairs in my room”. Officers seized a large amount of evidence linked to supply of drugs:

• 3 x snap bags of white powder
• Bags of green vegetable matter
• Large quantity of snap bags
• A Debtor’s list with names and phone numbers
• A set of digital scales
• 3 mobile phones
• iPad
• Over £48,000 in cash.

The white powder and vegetable matter were forensically examined and identified as cocaine and cannabis. The amounts were estimated to be worth up to £2820.

Thornton’s mobile device was digitally examined. Looking through his messages and his Debtor list, officers can evidence that Thornton had been supplying over 10kg of cocaine over a period of time.

Detective Inspector Brian Morley from the NWROCU said:

“The evidence against Thornton was overwhelming. When officers searched his property, he pointed out the locations where drugs and cash were hidden.

“We would like to thank Greater Manchester Police for their support throughout this investigation.

“Illegal drugs cause significant harm to our communities, and we remain committed to bringing those involved in criminality to justice. We will continue to target offenders who seek to inflict misery across the North West.”