July 13, 2021 11.07 am This story is over 31 months old

Huge County Lines drugs and weapons bust sees over 40 charged by Lincolnshire Police

41 named and charged after 10 months of investigations

More than 40 people have been charged after a four week police operation which uncovered drug and weapons offences, £420,000 in cash and assets.

Lincolnshire Police have released the names and addresses of the 41 men and women charged, predominantly from the Lincoln area. A significant percentage were also from Boston and Nottingham.

Operation Stabilise, a 10 month investigation, targeted the suspected County Lines networks – where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced into it by gangs – across Lincolnshire, Lancashire, and Nottinghamshire.

The ‘County Line’ is the mobile phone line used to take the orders of drugs.

The investigation, which has been led by Lincolnshire Police and included officers from Lancashire Police, Nottinghamshire Police, and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), culminated with 38 search warrants executed over a month of enforcement.

The Op included officers and police staff ranging from PCs, intelligence officers and detectives, to armed response officers, and forensics units, and saw 10 separate drug conspiracy investigations conducted.

£420K in cash, assets and drugs seized during four weeks of enforcement targeting County Lines | Photo: Lincolnshire Police

More than £300,000 in assets were seized including designer watches, clothing, electrical goods and cars, as well as more than £55,000 in cash, an estimated £53,000 of Class A crack and heroin, an estimated £12,000 of cannabis, and a variety or weapons including knives, a shotgun and two hand guns.

Chief Inspector Phil Baker said young people could become enticed by a promised lifestyle: “The sale and use of drugs blights entire neighbourhoods, and feeds into the much darker world of County Lines which entices young people into a life of crime through selling a lifestyle before loyalty is tested.

“This is often done by asking for favours and offering a sense of protection, which can then lead to those exploited being trapped through debt bondage, trafficking, isolation from family and friends and physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

“As well as exploiting vulnerable people, County Lines activity also feeds addiction at a local level, and the drug use itself is just the tip of the iceberg; with it comes a bevvy of associated crime such as theft, antisocial behaviour, or violent offences.

| Photo: Lincolnshire Police

“The leaders of organised crime gangs live lavish lifestyles, spending thousands on designer clothes, watches or gadgets, while the people they exploit to traffic drugs or those using them are often living lives so far removed from luxury. In short, drugs damage our communities and lives, and we will not tolerate County Lines networks in our area.

“As a force we have a unique partnership approach to dealing with local-level drug use, working with the local health services, addiction charities, homeless services, and local authorities to help people escape a life of addiction. Disrupting the efforts of dealers selling in our towns and cities goes a long way to breaking that chain and providing those with addiction a chance to improve their lives.”

The following charges have been made:

  1. Kristers SOKOLOVS 19/09/2002 (18) of Ennerdale, Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, Lancashire charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 07/06/2021 and remanded in custody 08/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  2. Keegan MEALOR 26/07/2002 (18) of Carfield, Skelmersdale, Lancashire charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 07/06/2021 and remanded in custody 08/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  3. Ryan WILLIAMS 20/04/1989 (32) of Swanpool Lane, Aughton, Ormskirk, Lancashire charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021 and possession of criminal property on 20/02/2021. Arrested 07/06/2021 and remanded in custody 08/6/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  4. Daniels DAVIDNOKS 05/12/2001 (19) of Banksbarn, Skelmersdale, Lancashire with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 08/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  5. Jake HARRIS 13/10/1998 (22) of Enstone, Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, Lancashire charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 08/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  6. Tyler Jo WILSON 14/02/1994 (27) of Castlehey, Skelmersdale, Lancashire summonsed for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021 and possession of criminal property on 20/02/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  7. Roberts SOKOLOVS 04/08/2000 (20) of Ennerdale, Tanhouse, Skelmersdale, Lancashire charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 07/06/2021 and remanded in custody 08/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  8. Jake LIGHFOOT 07/04/2001 (20) no fixed address charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 07/06/2021 and remanded in custody 08/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  9. Shaun DOUGHTY 16/11/1985 (35) of Carr Street, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 08/06/2021 and remanded in custody 09/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  10. Kevan SMITH 20/07/1986 (34) of Cottingham Drive, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 08/06/2021 and remanded in custody 09/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  11. David SCOUSE 16/02/1979 (42) of Drake Street, Gainsborough charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 09/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  12. John STERN 03/06/1986 (35) of the Pathways Centre, Beaumont Fee, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 09/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  13. Carla O’ROURKE 10/10/1987 (33) of Iris Crescent, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 11/09/2020 & 07/06/2021. Arrested 09/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 24/09/2021.
  14. Christian BURGESS 24/04/1994 (27) of Birchwood Avenue, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 25/05/2021, converting criminal property between 01/11/2019 & 13/12/2020 & possession of criminal property on 14/06/2021. Arrested 14/06/2021 and remanded in custody 15/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  15. Alvin JENNINGS 25/12/1992 (28) of Falklands Close, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 25/05/2021, converting criminal property between 01/11/2019 & 13/12/2020, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs on 25/03/2021 & 25/05/2021, and supplied Class B drugs between 02/02/2021 & 26/05/2021. Arrested 14/06/2021 and remanded in custody 15/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  16. Abdul ALIM 01/10/1985 (35) of Gabriel Crescent, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 26/05/2021. Arrested on 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  17. Maciej KINSNER 08/02/1982 (39) of Portland Street, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 26/05/2021. Arrested on 15/06/2021 and remanded in custody 16/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  18. Jack HARTLEY 24/07/1999 (21) of Appleby Way, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 26/05/2021. Arrested on 15/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 14/07/2021.
  19. Jonathan LIBERTY 03/08/1978 (42) of Epworth View, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 26/05/2021. Arrested on 14/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 14/07/2021.
  20. Hannah WELBOURN 16/05/1988 (33) of Edendale View, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 01/09/2020 & 26/05/2021. Arrested on 25/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 29/07/2021.
  21. Dean SMITH 18/03/1971 of Browning Drive, Lincoln charged with converting criminal property between 01/11/2019 & 13/12/2020. Arrested on 14/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 14/07/2021.
  22. Alex AMMANUEL 23/03/1994 (27) of Brightmore Street, Nottingham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  23. Noman HASSAN 24/04/1997 (24) of Bentinck Road, Nottingham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021 & possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid between 14/12/2020 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 23/06/2021 and remanded in custody 24/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  24. Abdi NUR 01/03/2000 (21) of Fisher Street, Nottingham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  25. Emmanuel NEMBHARD 08/10/1996 (24) of Leslie Road, Nottingham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 22/06/2021 and remanded in custody 23/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  26. Kelvin TUTANI 28/09/1995 (25) of Yarborough Road, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  27. Babatunde OMOTADE 08/11/1994 (26) of Thurman Street, Nottingham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021 & possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid between 14/12/2020 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  28. Amber KEELEY 22/01/2000 of Honnington Approach, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 13/01/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 21/06/2021 and remanded in custody 22/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  29. Benjamin TINDELL 31/08/2002 (18) of Lincoln Lane, Boston charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 23/06/2021 and remanded in custody 24/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  30. Marcus WIDDOP 02/09/2000 (20) of Kyme Road, Boston charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 23/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 13/07/2021.
  31. Anthony SWAIN 17/05/1976 (45) of Lincoln Road, Fenton,Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 14/12/2000 & 02/03/2021. Arrested 24/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 29/07/2021.
  32. Fabian JOULES 10/10/2002 (18) of Freezeland Way, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Middlesex charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 06/10/2020 & 18/12/2020. Arrested on 14/06/2021 and remanded in custody 15/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  33. Stephen MOWLAEI 29/05/2003 (18) of Colchester Mews, North Hykeham charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 06/10/2020 & 18/12/2020. Arrested on 16/06/2021 and remanded in custody 17/06/2021 to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 19/07/2021.
  34. Ashley SURFLEET 08/10/1992 (28) of Four Seasons Close, Dunholme, Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 22/12/2020 & 23/12/2020. Arrested 30/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 05/08/2021.
  35. Liam SPURR 22/01/1988 (33) of Allenby Close, Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 02/10/2020, 06/10/2020, 08/10/2020 & 11/11/2020. Arrested 05/07/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 05/08/2021.
  36. Tyrone RICHARDSON 07/08/1990 (30) of Emerson Crescent, Sheffield charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs between 25/11/2020 & 18/02/2021. Arrested 28/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 27/07/2021.
  37. Claire ROBERTS 19/07/1978 (42) of St Rumbold Street, Lincoln charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs between 25/11/2020 & 18/02/2021. Arrested 29/06/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on 26/07/2021.
  38. Jonathan HEWITT 16/01/1986 (35) of Bridge Street, Saxilby, Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 17/09/2020 & 22/09/2020. Arrested 06/07/2020 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on 05/08/2021.
  39. Timothy RIGGOTT 26/10/1972 (48) of Princess Street, Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 01/10/2020,07/10/2020 & 10/11/2020. Arrested 06/07/2020 and bailed to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on 22/07/2021.
  40. Daniel SANDERSON 11/05/1990 of HMP Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 20/10/2020, 21/10/2020 & 23/10/2020 and supplying cocaine on 21/10/2020. Arrested 07/07/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 12/08/2021.
  41. Jevgenjic GOPES 07/04/1986 of HMP Lincoln charged with supplying heroin on 18/11/2020. Arrested 07/07/2021 and bailed to appear at Lincoln District Magistrates Court on 12/08/2021.