Eight Basingstoke Drug Dealers Jailed for 36 Years in County Lines Crackdown
Eight criminals linked to a “slick, professional and extensive” Class A drugs network in Basingstoke have been locked up for a total of 36 years. The gang, known as the G-Man line, operated a ruthless county lines operation dealing heroin and cocaine across the region.
Loaded Sawed-Off Shotgun Found on Gang Member
One gang member, Jack Oliveira, was caught red-handed with a cocked and loaded sawn-off double-barrelled 12 bore shotgun in public after being chased down by police. His phone contained chilling footage of him loading the weapon inside a Basingstoke address.
Gang’s ‘Transport Division’ Chauffeured Dealers
The court heard that Matt Temple, a licensed private hire driver dubbed the gang’s “Transport Division” by Judge Barnett, propelled the network’s runners and dealers around 24/7. Despite his cocaine habit, Temple earned cash and drugs by driving the criminals on their dirty errands.
Prosecutor Mark Ruffell: “The gang’s motivation was money – purely and simply. There was little or no thought given to the consequences of this terrible trade and the havoc it wreaks on lives gripped by addiction.”
Judge and Police Praise Police After Complex Investigation
His Honour Judge Barnett paid tribute to the police for their “outstanding” work investigating the complex case, saying: “The scale of this enquiry was just one of the complicating factors.” He added: “People who take these drugs ruin their lives. Those who supply them bear society’s condemnation.”
Basingstoke District Commander Chief Inspector Karen McManus said: “This sentencing shows we will do everything to stop violent drug networks targeting our town. Thanks to the determination, professionalism and persistence of officers and the community’s help, this dangerous gang has been dismantled.”
She urged anyone aware of drug activity to report it via Hampshire Police or call 101.
Sentences at a Glance
- Jeffrey Zani, 20 (Popley): 7 years 4 months
- Louis Robinson-Ventour, 20 (Feltham): 6 years 8 months
- Matt Temple, 47 (Basingstoke): 4 years 8 months + 4 months for driving offences + 7-year driving ban
- Jack Oliveira, 21 (Lambeth): 5 years (includes gun possession)
- Abdirahman Abdi, 21 (Hounslow): 4 years 4 months (drug conspiracy)
- Dexta Newman-Parsons, 18 (Basingstoke): 20 months suspended + 100 hours community service
- Mohammed Zazai, 20 (Isleworth): 5 years + 2 years concurrent for cannabis supply
- Ayodeji Ade-Olisaemeka, 20 (Loughton): 3 years
Operation Fortress Takes Down County Lines Network
The operation, run by Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Fortress, targeted the G-Man line’s drug empire from April 2018 to May 2019. County Lines involves city gangs exploiting smaller towns through violence, intimidation, and mobile phone lines to sell heroin and crack cocaine.
Hampshire is committed to creating a hostile environment for drug dealers and protecting communities from the misery caused by Class A drugs.
