County lines drug dealer jailed

The 19 year old attempted to run off from officers however after a short pursuit was detained. He was found in possession of more than £600 worth of crack cocaine and heroin along with £260 in cash.

An investigation was launched and it was established Pierre was dealing drugs in the Shropshire town as part of a county line being ran from the West Midlands.

A search of his home uncovered £3600 worth of crack cocaine and heroin, packaged to be traded in street deals. £1000 worth of cash was also discovered.

On Tuesday 4 August he was sentenced to two years imprisonment at Shrewsbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to four counts of drug trafficking offences.

He was also given a confiscation and destruction order for £1285.

Shropshire’s Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cook said: “We know county line drug dealers are exploiting young and vulnerable people in some of our towns in the county and our absolute priority is protecting those who are vulnerable to being targeted.

“Where we have information or intelligence to suggest county lines drug dealing is taking place we will act on this and take robust action to essentially take out the line.

“Police alone cannot do this and we work closely with our partner agencies, through our serious and organised crime joint action group, to ensure everyone is playing their part.

“I hope this sentence sends a clear warning to those who are involved in county lines that we will look to pursue them and look to disrupt their organised crime network.”

Police are reminding young people concerned about county lines who do not wish to talk to police there are other options available.

DCI Cook added: “We know some young people may not want to talk to the police about their concerns and I want to let them know they don’t need to. Information can be passed anonymously to Fearless, an organisation dedicated to young people which has a host of information and advice.

Concerns can be reported online at
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.

If you don’t want to speak to police, you can anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ . They never ask your name and cannot trace your call, and you could earn a reward. Young people can pass on information anonymously and find further information and advice on the Fearless website www.fearless.org/

If it is an emergency, a crime is in progress or life is at immediate risk always ring 999.

ISSUED: EH, Corporate Communications.