County lines drug runner jailed

A man who was running a county lines drugs operation in Worcester has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

Alonso Stanfield, 29, of Lower North Street, Walsall, was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and possessing criminal property.

A judge at Worcester Crown Court handed him a 40-month term on Monday 21 August for his role in the Nathan drug line that operates in the South Worcestershire area.

Officers from South Worcestershire Proactive CID were alerted to Stanfield’s presence on the canal towpath in Tallow Hill, Worcester after officers spotted him meeting known drug users.

They witnessed a suspected drugs deal between Stanfield and one of the group who left the area with a crack pipe.

Stanfield was detained around 400 metres away along the canal towpath.

Officers found he had a large amount of cash on him, around £2,000, and what was believed to be a burner phone.

A friction lock baton was recovered during a search of his home address.

Detective Sergeant Luke Papps of South Worcestershire Proactive CID said: “. This is another example of an individual travelling into the City of Worcester to supply controlled drugs.

“The South Worcester County Lines team are committed to tackling the complex issue of County Lines drug supply.

“This sentence is a reminder to anyone who comes here to do this that the courts will deal with them robustly, and the team of dedicated detectives will relentlessly pursue those involved in drug supply in order to make South Worcester a more hostile environment for them to operate.”

To report concerns around drugs or drugs supply visit Something you've seen or heard | West Mercia Police. Or you can report information anonymously to Crimestoppers via www.crimestoppers-org or by ringing 0800 555 111.

For more information about the to spot the signs someone may be involved in county lines drug dealing visit Give information about crime 100% anonymously | Fearless | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

JI, Corporate Communications