A Stoke-on-Trent man has been jailed for eight years after a pistol was found during a search of his address as part of a drugs investigation. 

Michael Skinner, of Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday 29 October. 

The 30-year-old was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to being concerned in supply of cocaine, possession of MDMA, possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of a S.5(1) firearm, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate. 

On 19 May 2025, officers from Crewe Pro-active CID searched Skinner's address after his DNA was found on bags of cannabis which had previously been seized from a property in Crewe. 

Skinner was present at the address and was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences. 

A large amount of cannabis, cocaine and MDMA were seized from the property. 

Officers also found two mobile phones, numerous scales, dealer lists, a knuckle duster, a crossbow and a BB gun. 

A pistol with a bullet in the chamber was located inside a carrier bag. 

Analysis of Skinner's phones showed evidence of drug dealing while the total value of the drugs seized was between £13,330 and £19,605. 

PC Steve Copeland said: "I welcome the substantial custodial sentence handed to Skinner who was not only supplying illegal drugs but was also in possession of an incredibly dangerous and illegal weapon. 

"It was thanks to Skinner's DNA found on drugs packages in Crewe that our officers were able to trace and arrest him, seizing a large quantity of drugs which were destined for the streets. 

"If you have any information about drug-related activity in your community, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do the rest."