Nottingham-Banbury Drug Runner Caught in County Lines Sting
Drugs Run from Prison Command Centre
For two months, Forrest Bentick ran a drugs line between Nottingham and Banbury, Oxfordshire. He did so for gang boss Shekeil Sands, who orchestrated the whole operation from behind bars.
Exploiting Kids and Vulnerable People
The gang deliberately used children and vulnerable individuals to move drugs across different areas. This ruthless tactic was a key part of their criminal empire.
Police Crack Down on County Lines
After a huge coordinated investigation, officers took down Sands and his crew. The probe helped secure multiple convictions, including modern slavery charges, linked to the county lines network.
Heavy Sentences for Gangsters
Sands and his associates were slammed with more than 35 years behind bars. Detective Inspector Mark Adas of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) said:
“Back in November 2022, 21 people pleaded guilty to offences involving drugs, prisons, and even firearms. Sands used around 30 burner phones with County Lines numbers to set up deals and communicate with his gang.
“The evidence was so strong Bentick had no choice but to admit guilt. This case shows we will relentlessly target criminals who exploit young and vulnerable people for drug dealing.”
