County Lines Drug Gang Slammed with 46 Years Behind Bars in Basingstoke
Nine members of a ruthless County Lines Class A drugs gang in Basingstoke have been handed a hefty 46 years and seven months behind bars. The cartel, made up of four networks dubbed Monster, Bestie, Nemo, and Smallz, blasted drugs across the town between December 2018 and October 2019.
Four Networks Working as One Drug Machine
At Portsmouth Crown Court, prosecutor Mark Ruffell revealed all four gangs shared suppliers based in Wembley, North London. They also pooled resources including key players, safe houses, and local runners. The crews worked closely to avoid turf wars and keep rival gangs off their patch.
Central figures Ahmed Abdullah and Antonio Abayomi masterminded the operation. Together, they ensured a 24/7 supply of heroin and crack cocaine kept flooding Basingstoke’s streets.
Top Dogs Face Long Sentences
- Ahmed Abdullah, 32, ‘Operator’ of the Monster line from Luton, was sentenced to nine years and six months after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Judge Melville QC branded him “ruthless” in managing his drug empire.
- Antonio Abayomi, 22, ran the Bestie line from Brent and recruited underage runners. He got seven years and six months for running his drug crew.
- Charlene Hougham, 32, a user turned key player, worked closely with Abdullah, even travelling to Wembley for supplies. She was slapped with five years and five months.
- Andrew Russell, 27, a significant dealer recruited by Abdullah, received four years and ten months.
Support Crew Also Nabbed
- Adam Harman, 27, hired cars and allowed his home to be a drug base, sentenced to four years and ten months.
- Devon Codrington, 19, a ground lieutenant for Monster, got four years.
- Louis Craze, 23, dealt for Nemo before switching to Monster, handed four years and ten months.
- Karl Boness, 32, a runner with no fixed abode, sentenced to two years and two months.
- Anthony Nish, 52, chauffeur and dealer for the gangs, nailed for three years and six months.
More Sentences Coming for Three Women
Three women involved will be sentenced in January 2021:
- Stacey Knock, 29, partner of Harman, helped hire cars and drive gang members.
- Kelly Tomkins, 43, the “banker” who handled nearly £18,500 in criminal cash transfers.
- Tyne Tara Cox, 27, a major dealer dubbed part of Abdullah’s “crew.”
A fourth woman, Becky Knott, 27, who provided properties and acted as a courier, faces sentencing later next year.
Police Crack Down on Drug Cartel
District Commander Chief Inspector Karen McManus said, “This case exposes the tangled, sinister web these criminals spun across Basingstoke. But it also shows there’s a stiff price for spreading misery in our town.”
She added, “We are hunting down these villains and won’t stop until our streets are safe. With community help, we can break these gangs.”
The CPS praised the intense investigation involving thousands of intercepted messages leading to the gang’s downfall. Senior Crown Prosecutor Mary-Ruth Johnson said, “County lines drug dealers exploit young people and children. We’re committed to putting them behind bars.”
Report Drug Crime
If you have info on drug activity in your area, report it online at hampshire.police.uk, call 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
