A County Lines drug dealer, Tremaine Thomas, found in possession of thousands of pounds worth of drugs in Smethwick, has been sentenced to six years in Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to intending to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Thomas, 23, faced arrest in March 2022 and February 2023, leading to the discovery of crack cocaine and herbal cannabis valued between £3,000 and £4,500 at an address in Primrose Hill.
An extensive investigation revealed that Thomas was operating a drug line supplying the Birmingham area, supported by large sums of cash, around £3,500, and multiple mobile phones found at his residence. Another warrant uncovered additional crack cocaine and heroin. Despite offering no comment during the interview, further examination confirmed the presence of cannabis and crack cocaine, resulting in Thomas's six-year imprisonment.
County Lines crimes involve the use of burner phones by drug dealers to facilitate the nationwide transportation and sale of drugs across different counties borers , hence the name (County Lines). These illicit operations exploit young people and vulnerable adults to store, produce, and distribute drugs, often leading to severe consequences such as sexual exploitation, violence, money laundering, modern slavery, and human trafficking.
Criminals behind County Lines seek detachment and reduced detection risk by grooming and manipulating children and vulnerable adults as runners to transport drugs and cash nationwide. Victims, primarily young individuals aged 14-17, including primary school children, become easy targets, lured into activities ranging from keeping watch to becoming drug couriers.
The grooming process, occurring both online and offline, involves tactics like peer grooming in schools and on social media. Criminal gangs often target children lacking family or security, trapping them in poverty and making them feel part of a pseudo-family through gifts and affection. However, this seemingly protective facade turns into abuse, subjecting the victims to a cycle of horror that includes drug transportation, sexual abuse, forced labor, money laundering, and coerced criminal activities.
Exploitation and abuse can happen anywhere in the UK, with criminals targeting young people in cities for drug sales in less saturated areas. Public spaces like parks, supermarkets, transport, banks, and online platforms are prime locations for exploitation. Victims are transported around the country, residing in drug dens known as 'trap houses,' where they are forced to sell drugs for varying durations, ranging from a few days to six weeks or more. To combat such crimes, recognizing and safeguarding victims is crucial.
If you suspect drug dealing in your area, contact local authorities via Live Chat, call 101, or remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Jason King
Birmingham City-Desk
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