Eight members of a West Midlands drugs gang have been jailed for flooding Birmingham and the Black Country with heroin and cocaine over more than two years. The gang operated a drug line that worked 'seven days a week' with dealers working 'on average 20 hours a day', Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
The court was told 'a total of 18.5kg of class A drugs were pumped onto the streets of the West Midlands via the drug line'. The operation was brought down by undercover officers who made 'test purchases' from the network.
Sentences handed down
Quarnay Lee-Taylor received the longest sentence of 12 years and seven months, while the others received terms ranging from five to 10 years. The gang members jailed are Lee-Taylor, Bradley Whatmore, Zuhayb Abdi, Asa Mcintosh, Rees Macdonald, Waqas Hussain and Hakeem Ali.
Two gang members also kidnapped a drug addict who owed money and dumped him naked in the street. The total sentences for the gang exceed 60 years.
Investigation details
The drug line was a Birmingham county lines operation that had been active for more than two years. Undercover officers made test purchases from the network, which led to the gang being brought down.
The case was heard at Wolverhampton Crown Court, where the details of the operation were revealed. The gang's activities had a significant impact on the West Midlands, with class A drugs being distributed across the region.
Impact and next steps
The sentencing marks the end of a lengthy investigation into the gang's activities. The jail terms reflect the seriousness of the offences, with Lee-Taylor receiving the longest sentence. The other members received terms ranging from five to 10 years, and the gang's total sentences exceed 60 years.
