Gang Busted Exploiting 15-Year-Old as Drug Runner on County Line
Five men have been jailed for running a vile county lines drug operation that used a 15-year-old child as a runner. The boy was trafficked from West London to Hampshire, caught red-handed with wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in Andover.
Child Groomed and Used to Peddle Class A Drugs
The gang, led by 30-year-old Rhys Johnson from Acton, targeted the vulnerable teenager. He was groomed by two younger members, 18-year-old Jaion Jacobs and 17-year-old Miguel Fiorenzi, before being handed over to Johnson. The boy was then ferried around for drug deliveries by 31-year-old Michael Mcdonnell and the others.
Police discovered the child at a safe house in Andover in September 2021. A raid on another hideout in High Wycombe uncovered a stash of Class A drugs, a pricey Rolex, and cash – all proof of their criminal enterprise.
Heavy Jail Terms for Masterminds as Police Crack County Lines
- Rhys Johnson and Michael Mcdonnell were sentenced to over 16 years behind bars on October 20.
- Other members, including Jordan Barnes from Andover, also faced convictions.
- The Metropolitan Police’s sting took down the entire gang for exploiting children in drug dealing.
“This investigation is an excellent example of how our Met officers have successfully dismantled an organised gang who coordinated the distribution of drugs through the exploitation of children,” said PC Tom Quinn, who led the probe.
Met Police Clamp Down on County Lines Nets Big Results
The sentencing follows a massive week-long campaign by the Met targeting county lines crime. Over 290 arrests were made, 110 vulnerable people were safeguarded, and almost 17kg of drugs were seized. The police also shut down 92 drug lines nationwide.
This success sends a strong message to criminals: exploiting children to push Class A drugs won’t be tolerated.
