A county lines drug dealer has been sentenced to six years in prison after flooding a Shropshire town with dangerous substances including heroin and the synthetic drug known as monkey dust.
Police Raid Uncovers Drug Operation
Robert Hacking, aged 36, was arrested at his home in Great Bridge, Tipton on April 16 this year following a police investigation into drug supply in the Telford area. Officers conducted a search of the property that revealed multiple mobile phones and a significant amount of cash.
West Mercia Police discovered compelling evidence that Hacking had been operating a county line - a drug distribution network that typically exploits children and vulnerable adults to transport drugs from urban to rural areas.
Threats and Stolen Goods Discovered
Further examination of the seized phones uncovered disturbing content, including images of Hacking threatening individuals with a knife over outstanding drug debts. The devices also contained photographs showing twenty-one large bags of drugs prepared for street-level distribution.
In addition to the drug-related evidence, police recovered numerous stolen items from the property, including toiletries, chocolates and cosmetic products.
Court Sentencing and Police Response
Hacking, of Market Place, appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to multiple offences on Thursday, November 20. His charges included:
- Being concerned in the supply of class A controlled drugs
- Being concerned in the supply of class B controlled drugs
- Use of criminal property
Detective Constable Nathan Thompson of West Mercia Police commented on the case, stating: "We are pleased with the outcome in court, and I hope it sends a strong message to anyone who thinks it is okay to supply drugs into Telford."
"We will act on intelligence and we will continue to disrupt, target, and apprehend those who are involved in dealing drugs", DC Thompson emphasised. "This sentence shows we will not tolerate drug dealing and the harm it reaps upon our communities."
The detective concluded with a firm warning to other drug dealers: "The upset these people bring to our community is immeasurable and we shall continue to target people like Hacking, who are dealing drugs."
The successful prosecution forms part of West Mercia Police's ongoing efforts to combat county lines operations and drug-related crime across the region.
