A County Lines drug-dealing gang, including members from the West Midlands, has been sentenced to a combined total of more than nine years in prison following a thorough investigation by the British Transport Police. The case involved a violent incident where one of the perpetrators attacked a police officer and was discovered attempting to conceal drugs internally.
Police Raid on Trap House Leads to Arrests
Acting on intelligence, the British Transport Police's County Lines Taskforce executed a raid on a property in Northamptonshire on Monday, January 20 last year. This address was being utilised as a 'trap house', a location where drugs were actively bought and sold. Upon forcing entry, officers encountered Andrew Wallance, who was found to have internally secreted a package suspected to contain Class A drugs.
Violent Confrontation and Hospital Recovery
Wallance was promptly arrested and taken into custody. While detained, he became aggressive when informed by officers that he required hospital treatment. During this altercation, he kicked a police officer, causing him to lose balance. Subsequently, Wallance was transported to a hospital via police van, where the concealed package was recovered and later confirmed to contain both crack cocaine and heroin.
Investigation Expands to Uncover Gang Network
Following Wallance's initial arrest, the Taskforce launched a comprehensive investigation into the operations of the drugs line. This probe revealed the involvement of two additional individuals: Isaiah Taitt and Dequarme Lennox. Analysis of phone downloads from Wallance's device uncovered multiple drug trafficking messages exchanged among the three men, providing clear evidence of their collaborative efforts to supply Class A substances.
Coordinated Raids and Seizures
In the early hours of March 12 last year, officers from the Taskforce executed simultaneous warrants at addresses in London, Rugby, and Telford. All three suspects were arrested during these coordinated operations. The raids resulted in the seizure of the drug line phone, a large knife disguised as a bicycle pump, various drugs, and approximately £9,000 in cash.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing Details
After nearly 24 hours in custody, Wallance, Taitt, and Lennox were charged with a total of ten offences. Andrew Wallance, aged 22 and from Bridget Street in Rugby, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, offering to supply crack cocaine, offering to supply heroin, and possession with intent to supply both crack cocaine and heroin. He was sentenced to three years and five months imprisonment at Warwick Crown Court on Wednesday, January 28.
Isaiah Taitt, aged 24 and from Bridge Close in West London, pleaded guilty to offering to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He received a sentence of two years and nine months. Dequarme Lennox, aged 22 and from Burford in Telford, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and was jailed for three years. Both Taitt and Lennox were sentenced on 12 November last year at Warwick Crown Court.
Police Statement on Collaborative Efforts
BTP Detective Inspector Matt Davies commented on the successful operation, stating, "This is a hugely significant result in our crackdown on County Lines. Three men who operated a once thriving drugs line are now behind bars and the illegal drugs they peddled have been taken off the streets along with a potentially lethal weapon." He emphasised the importance of inter-force collaboration, noting that the efforts of colleagues at the Metropolitan Police, as well as Warwickshire, West Mercia, and Northamptonshire Police, were instrumental in achieving this outcome.
Detective Inspector Davies added, "Working together means we combine our individual resources to hunt down those who profit from the sale of drugs and exploit others. Make no mistake, if you're using the network to deal drugs we'll be catching up with you very soon." This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle County Lines operations and bring those responsible to justice.
