11 arrests in Surrey targeting County Lines drugs gangs
Weapons and cash were also seized as part a week of intense police activity
Last updated 2nd Jun 2021
11 people were arrested in Surrey after drugs and weapons were seized.
It was part of a week of intense activity to disrupt county lines drugs gangs.
That's where criminals in big cities sell to customers and exploit vulnerable people, including children, to work as couriers.
Six people were charged for a number of offences including the supply of drugs and human trafficking.
The 11 people detained:
- A 36 year-old woman was arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. She has been released on bail.
- A 39 year-old man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He has been released under investigation.
- 16 year-old boy was arrested for being concerned in supply of Class A drugs. He has been released under investigation.
- A 17 year-old boy was arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He has been released on bail.
- A 50 year-old man was arrested for driving whilst unfit due to drugs. He has been released under investigation.
Further breakdown of figures:
- 5 weapons seized, including four knives and a converted handgun
- 8 warrants executed
- 26 mobile phones seized
- 45 pairs of high value trainers seized
- 80 educational visits made to raise awareness in premises such as schools, hotels and taxi companies
- 89 young people and vulnerable adults identified and/or safeguarded
- More than ÂŁ3000 cash seized
- A large quantity of drugs seized, including more than 35 wraps of heroin and more than 200 wraps of crack cocaine.
Six people have also been charged:
- Fahim Karwani, 21, of The Island, Longford, was arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine). He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on Friday 21 May.
- Yacqub Jama, 23, of Jasper Avenue, Ealing, was arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine). He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on Friday 21 May
- Akeem Bellamy, 25, of Church Path, Chiswick, was arrested for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He has been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine). He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on Friday 21 May
- A 16 year-old boy was arrested for conspiracy to supply class A, PWITS Class A and human trafficking. He was charged with PWITS Class A (crack cocaine and heroin), and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine, heroin and cocaine). He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26 May
- Jaidon Gregg, 24, of Bensham Manor Road, Thornton Heath, was arrested for being concerned in supply of Class A drugs. He has been charged with points and blades, being concerned in supply of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class B drugs (cannabis). He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on 22 May 2021
- Brandon Irving, 22, of Melfort Road, Thornton Heath, was arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He was charged with PWITS Class A (crack cocaine), PWITS Class A (heroin), possession of a firearm and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. He was remanded to appear before Guildford Magistrates Court on 22 May 2021
Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, Surrey Police lead on drug-related harm and county lines said:
“County lines has a profound impact on the communities it touches. It is often associated with violence and antisocial behaviour in the areas drugs are transported into, and we hope our work this week shows that this will not be tolerated in Surrey.
“Our aim is to make Surrey a hostile environment for those who seek to exploit the young and the vulnerable in order to bring illegal drugs into our county. Our activities this week are just some of what goes on behind the scenes every day to help keep Surrey safe. With your help, we can do even more.
“If you have any information regarding drug dealing or violent crime in your area, or you are worried that someone is being exploited, we need you to tell us. If you’d rather not speak to police, please reach out to independent charities such as Crimestoppers or Fearless instead.”
Detective Inspector Lee Newman, County Lines regional co-ordinator for the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit, said:
“We’ve provided support to forces with a range of specialist skills and co-ordinated activity to ensure we work together to identify and disrupt serious offenders causing the most harm in our communities.
“County Lines drug dealing has a significant impact upon communities and involves the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people in society, including children.
“We’re committed to further developing our understanding of the methods used by organised criminals responsible for County Lines criminality to ensure we can continue to target them, while working closely with our partners to support victims.”