Big Ali Drug Dealer Busted in Midnight Raid
Police have cracked down on Eugene Brannigan, the man behind the notorious “Big Ali” drug hotline selling heroin and crack cocaine. The 27-year-old was caught red-handed during a dawn raid at his Birmingham flat on Lombard Street.
Surprise Bust After Months of Surveillance
Our intelligence unit had been tracking the “Big Ali” operation since last September, estimating it moved over £55,000 worth of drugs across Birmingham. Officers traced Brannigan to the top floor apartment and managed to get hold of a key, allowing them to burst in while he was still in bed.
Brannigan was left stunned, asking, “How did you get in?” – little knowing police had cracked his drug empire wide open.
Evidence Unveils Widespread Birmingham Supply
- Police investigations showed Brannigan supplied Class A drugs throughout Balsall Heath and Birmingham city centre.
- Despite attempts to hide the hotline by swapping the phone’s IMEI sticker and refusing to give up his PIN, officers accessed his phone.
- They uncovered text messages marketing drugs to around 90 customers.
- Brannigan was even caught “cooking” crack cocaine in his flat.
Brannigan Sentenced to Nearly Seven Years Behind Bars
At Birmingham Crown Court on 25 February, Brannigan admitted supplying Class A drugs and was jailed for six years and nine months.
Detective Constable James Clarke said: “People may be more familiar with us forcing entry to properties when targeting drugs gangs – but when we’ve got a key there’s a greater element of surprise! “He’s been given a jail term of nearly seven years which underlines how seriously the courts view organised drug supply. “While no one else was identified in the Big Ali line, phone evidence showed Brannigan directing others to deliver drugs. County Lines operations often exploit vulnerable young people, putting them at serious risk.”
“County Lines ruins lives and we are determined to take down anyone who treats vulnerable people as commodities for their own greed.”
