East London ‘County Lines’ Gang Jailed for Flooding Basingstoke with Class A Drugs
Eight members of a ruthless “County Lines” drug gang were locked up today, sentenced to a combined total of just over 43 years behind bars. The gang, known as the WEZ network, smuggled over £400,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine into Basingstoke from their East London base.
The gang targeted vulnerable addicts in the Hampshire town, “cuckooing” – or taking over – their homes to hide their illegal deals away from prying eyes and patrols. Their method allowed them to flood Basingstoke with drugs while avoiding street-level detection.
Leader ‘Cheeks’ and Crew Sent Down
At Winchester Crown Court, the ringleaders Ahmet Karagozlu, 20, and Ozlem Simsek, 22, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Karagozlu, nicknamed “Cheeks,” reportedly raked in up to £5,000 a week through the operation.
Their reign ran from March 2017 to August 2018, moving more than 5kg of heroin and crack. Police uncovered a sprawling network, including Karagozlu’s younger brother Halil (“Baby,” 18) and other runners sent from London.
Violent Weapons Seized, Stabbings Linked to Drugs
Police seized deadly weapons including zombie knives and more than £15,000 in cash after scouring over 420,000 lines of phone data. One gang member, Kaan Cicek (“Caps,” 18), was jailed for ten years for two vicious stabbings linked to drug money disputes. Both victims survived serious injuries, including a liver laceration.
Judge Parkes slammed Cicek’s pride in “vile gang culture,” referencing a video where he brandished a flick knife while singing drill music.
Gang Members Receive Heavy Sentences
- Kaan Cicek – 10 years custody + 3 years licence
- Byron Whitfield – 7 years Young Offenders Institution
- Donnell Willocks – 5 years custody
- Ahmet Karagozlu (“Cheeks”) – 8 years 8 months custody
- Halil Karagozlu (“Baby”) – 6.5 years Young Offenders Institution
- Ozlem Simsek – 3 years 4 months custody
- Matthew Keeley – 2 years 8 months custody for letting gang use his Tadley address as a base
- Diane Brill – 2 years suspended sentence; 9-month drug rehab and 75 hours unpaid work
The court heard Brill was paid in drugs and let the gang use her home for about 70 days, with evidence showing gang videos filmed there flaunting cash and knives.
Community Efforts Key to Taking Down Network
Detective Constable Ian Cullen said: “Thanks to the determination, professionalism and persistence of our officers and legal team, this dangerous gang has been completely dismantled.”
“The support from residents and local businesses was crucial in building a strong case, forcing many to plead guilty.”
“The gang used ‘cuckooed’ homes across Basingstoke and Tadley to evade police, but with communities acting as our eyes and ears, we removed dangerous weapons and stopped this harmful operation.”
If you suspect drug activity in your area, call Hampshire Police on 101.
