Thetford woman jailed for supplying heroin

She admitted Class A drugs offences after a raid back in May

Natasha Dowling
Author: Sian RochePublished 15th Nov 2023

A woman from Thetford has been sentenced to a total of 40 months in prison for supplying heroin.

Natasha Dowling, 35, from Ben Culey Drive, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday (9 November 2023) after being found guilty of being concerned in the supply of heroin between 1 January 2023 and 6 May 2023.

Police found evidence Dowling, who pleaded guilty, had been actively involved in the supply of Class A drugs.

Officers executed a warrant on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at her address where they found further evidence of her involvement.

She was subsequently charged with supplying heroin.

The court heard how the messages on her phone were in bulk and to different numbers, which officers say is behaviour consistent with a drugs line.

In total, from 2 January to 1 April 2023, the data showed Dowling has sent out 306 texts offering drugs for sale, believed to be heroin and of similar nature.

The court also heard how Dowling had a difficult childhood, and was a carer for her husband, Michael.

They had set up a small drugs business to fuel their own habit. Tony sadly died while Dowling was remanded in prison.

Michael, known as Tony Dowling, died while Dowling was remanded in prison.

Detective Constable Daniel Rayner said: “Class A Drugs have a devastating impact, it’s a miserable trade which the police continue to take seriously as it fuels a host of issues including crime, mental health issues and physical and societal problems.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.