The masterminds behind a ruthless county lines drug network that flooded Midlands streets with heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis have been handed prison sentences totalling more than 15 years.
Operation Beachside Exposes 'Trooper Line'
An investigation by Derbyshire Constabulary, codenamed Operation Beachside, dismantled the organised crime group known as the 'Trooper Line'. The gang's method involved exploiting vulnerable children, using them as 'runners' to distribute Class A and B drugs across communities including South Normanton in Derbyshire between March 2024 and January 2025.
Drugs were advertised for sale using dedicated mobile phone lines, with users replying to messages to arrange collection points. Disturbingly, the gang used a taxi in August 2024 to ferry a child around the region, with stops in Alfreton, Nottingham and Manchester, to collect and sell drugs.
Crime Orchestrated from a Prison Cell
Despite being behind bars, Anthony Brown, 26, formerly of Red Lane, South Normanton, directed the entire operation. He used illicit mobile phones to communicate with his network, order drugs from international suppliers, and manage the supply chain. A search of his prison cell later uncovered a mobile phone hidden in his dressing gown pocket.
On the outside, his accomplice Samuel Silvester, 22, of Jephson Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was responsible for controlling the day-to-day drug dealing. Associates Lori Westcott, 26, of Victoria Road, Pinxton, and Jamie McKinlay, 21, of Godfrey Street, Heanor, collected narcotics from 'upstream suppliers' and passed them to the child runners.
Police work revealed the gang's international connections. Analysis of a seized phone showed Brown had been ordering cannabis directly from Thailand, instructing Silvester to provide UK delivery addresses. Border Force officials intercepted two packages containing a total of 4.8kg of cannabis in October and November, linked to the gang.
Sentences Handed Down at Derby Crown Court
The gang members were brought to justice following police raids in September 2025, where warrants were executed at three properties linked to the group. Mobile phones, cash and drugs were seized.
At Derby Crown Court on January 2, 2026, the ringleaders were sentenced. Anthony Brown, who admitted conspiring to supply heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis, plus possession of cannabis and a phone in prison, was jailed for nine years and six months. Samuel Silvester, who pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge, was locked up for six years and one month.
Westcott and McKinlay, who admitted conspiring to supply cannabis, were dealt with earlier on July 24, 2025. Both received a community order and were instructed to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
Detective Inspector Chris Ford, who leads the force's criminal exploitation team, stated: "This gang exploited vulnerable members of society – namely children - by coercing them into dealing drugs on their behalf. Their activities caused misery in our communities. We will not stop in our endeavours to rid our streets of County Lines gangs."
He urged the public to remain vigilant, adding: "If you believe drug dealing is happening in your neighbourhood, please report it to us."
