Billy Boy Drug Gang Busted in Thurrock Sting
Ben O’Leary and Jamie Drysdale have been caught running the notorious Billy Boy drugs line in Thurrock. Their operation peddled heroin and crack across the area – until police swooped.
Drysdale Caught Red-Handed Hiding Drugs in Underwear
On February 6, officers pulled over Drysdale driving along Stifford Hill, South Ockendon. He tried to hide something in his underwear – but a custody strip search revealed 66 wraps of heroin and crack concealed in his pants, plus another wrap hidden in his sock. The haul was valued at £660 on the streets.
O’Leary’s Daring Escape Foiled During Raid
Meanwhile, at O’Leary’s home in Hudson Crescent, Leigh-on-Sea, police executed a search warrant the same day. O’Leary made a run for it, jumping a garden fence and tossing a carrier bag over a nearby garage block. But it was no use – he was caught and arrested.
Inside the bag was a large stash of drugs, scales, three mobile phones, and packaging materials. Plus, officers found £930 in cash on O’Leary, and another £880 stashed at his home. Other seized items included cannabis, a knife, a machete, and an imitation firearm hidden under his pillow. The drugs were worth around £11,110.
Two Drug Dealers Sent Down for Years
- O’Leary, 20, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession with intent, and possessing criminal property.
- Drysdale, 30, faced two counts each of conspiracy and possession with intent.
Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced on Tuesday 30 March at Basildon Crown Court. Drysdale got two and a half years in jail. O’Leary was locked up for four and a half years in a young offenders institute.
Detective Sergeant Russ Chamberlain said: “O’Leary and Drysdale were caught by surprise but it shouldn’t have come as a shock because if you are dealing drugs in Essex, expect a knock on the door from us soon.
We know who you are and there isn’t anywhere to hide. Drugs cause so much harm in our communities and we are doing everything we can to make sure people are protected and criminals are caught.”
