Dealer who used children to move drugs around Southend jailed
Liam Atkins, 24, was identified as a key figure in the ‘Pedro’ drug line, supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Southend since October 23, 2023
A man involved in using children to distribute crack cocaine and heroin has been sentenced to four years in prison. The conviction follows a focused investigation by Essex Police's Operation Raptor, which targets county lines drug dealing networks.
Liam Atkins, 24, was identified as a key figure in the ‘Pedro’ drug line, supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Southend since October 23, 2023. The investigation revealed that Atkins employed minors to deliver drugs.
According to Essex Police, the Operation Raptor team conducted extensive surveillance, analyzed mobile phones, and reviewed CCTV footage. On January 23, officers executed a search warrant at Atkins’ residence in Ashanti Close, Shoeburyness. During the search, cash and a phone linked to the drug operation were seized. Messages on Atkins' personal phone confirmed he was actively sourcing juveniles for drug distribution.
Atkins was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and pleaded guilty to the charges. During the hearing at Basildon Crown Court, the prosecution presented evidence that Atkins had sole control over the drug line during the investigation period and had attempted to recruit young people for the operation. The use of children in the drug operation was considered an aggravating factor in the sentencing.
Acting Detective Inspector Rob Maile of Operation Raptor South emphasized the risks and exploitation inherent in such drug operations. He stated, "A common feature we find time and time again in these cases is the distancing of those running the line from the active running and selling of drugs on the street. The dangerous and risky work is undertaken by those they can either exploit or enlist with the, often false, promise of financial gain or reward. Sadly, this often leads to the recruitment of children."
He added that Operation Raptor is committed to addressing the exploitation of minors in drug trafficking. "We are working hard to address this cruel reality. We have specialist safeguarding officers within Operation Raptor who work to identify those being exploited. Children coerced or threatened into running drugs for lines like the ‘Pedro’ line will be treated as victims."
Atkins' sentence reflects the court's strict stance on organized drug dealing and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.