County Lines Gang Busted in Bridgwater
A notorious county lines gang has been smashed after locals raised the alarm over blatant drug dealing in Bridgwater earlier this year.
Tip-Off Sparks Major Police Operation
Acting on public reports, officers pinpointed multiple hotspots across the town where drug deals were being carried out. Police stopped several suspicious individuals, gathering crucial evidence.
This led them to identify two phone lines used to coordinate the sale of heroin and crack cocaine.
Raids in Bridgwater, Wolverhampton, and London
Police executed nine warrants across Bridgwater, Wolverhampton, and London, swooping on several addresses. Their haul was massive: loads of Class A drugs, stacks of cash, plus weapons, ammunition, and a stab vest.
Seven suspects – four men and three women – were locked up after appearing at Taunton Crown Court, charged with supplying Class A drugs.
Sentences Handed Down
- Natasia Gayle, 26, Wolverhampton: 3 years 6 months
- Malique Orrell, 27, Birmingham: 3 years 1 month
- Emmanuel Buyondo, 26, no fixed address: 3 years 4 months
- Tina Austin-Saunders, 43, no fixed address: 2 years 9 months
- Lewis Cunningham, 20, Bristol: 2 years 2 months
- Clare Finka, 48, Bridgwater: 2-year suspended sentence + drug rehab
- Phoenix Fox, 33, Bridgwater: 2-year suspended sentence + drug rehab
Police Warn: This Is Just the Beginning
“County lines gangs continue to be a significant national problem,” said Detective Sergeant Jonathan Atkin.
“These criminals don’t care about the damage they wreak on communities or the vulnerable they exploit – they only want the cash.”
“The arrests and convictions of these seven are thanks to relentless police work and teamwork with officers from the Met and West Midlands Police. We’re closing the net on county lines dealers across Bridgwater and beyond.”
“This sends a stark warning to anyone moving deadly drugs into our towns: we will catch you, arrest you, and put you behind bars.”
