Drug Dealer on the Run Brought Back from Cyprus for Crack and Heroin Crimes
Artouros Kotsinian, 33, from Smethwick, West Midlands, was finally caught and returned to the UK from Cyprus. On 17 September 2020, he was charged with conspiring to supply crack cocaine and heroin, both Class A drugs. He also faced two charges of carrying a knife or sharp article in public.
39 Months Behind Bars After Guilty Plea
On 2 November, Kotsinian pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court. He was sentenced to 39 months in prison for all offences. This stemmed from a 2018 investigation into County Lines drug dealing in the Wyre Forest area, which has already seen nine men jailed.
Police Crack Down on County Lines Crime
Detective Inspector Martin Brown praised his team for tracking down Kotsinian after he fled the country. He said:
“This was a lengthy investigation led by the North Worcestershire Integrated Offender Management Team. Officers carried out proactive interventions, making seizures and arrests.”
Brown revealed the operation faced dangerous situations, including offenders fleeing police, damage to police vehicles, and knives found in vehicles. A major Class A drug haul was seized, preventing a large-scale supply ring from taking hold in Worcestershire.
“This prison sentence sends a clear message: we will hunt down offenders wherever they run, extradite them, and bring them to justice,” Brown added. “We’ll do whatever it takes to break County Lines networks ruining lives.”
Ongoing Battle Against Serious Organised Crime
The conviction forms part of West Mercia Police’s broader Protect campaign, targeting serious organised crime through four key actions:
- Pursue: Prosecute and disrupt offenders
- Prevent: Stop people from getting involved
- Protect: Boost protections against crime
- Prepare: Minimise ongoing impacts
Detective Inspector Brown urged young people worried about County Lines to seek help, even if they don’t want to speak directly to police. Anonymous tips can be given to Fearless, a youth-focused organisation offering information and advice.
More information and online reporting options are available through Fearless for those wanting to break free from the drug gang traps.
