County Lines Kingpin Locked Up for Nearly a Decade
Yacine Djalti, 20, Liverpool-born but homeless, was hit with a hefty nine years and nine months behind bars today. He was found guilty of running a vile heroin and crack cocaine supply racket, alongside a string of other serious offences.
Deadly Drugs, Knives, and Racist Violence
- Heroin supply conspiracy
- Crack cocaine supply conspiracy
- Criminal property damage
- Being in public with a deadly knife blade
- Racially charged public disorder
The charges relate to the infamous “Mo” county line, pushing crack cocaine and heroin into South Cumbria throughout July and August 2021.
Other Gang Members Also Sentenced
- Fred Williams, 21, Liverpool – 2 years 10 months for drug distribution
- Gary Crompton, 59, Liverpool – 2 years for conspiring to supply class A drugs
- Ben Heavyside, 31, Barrow – 3 years 4 months for heroin supply and exploitation crimes
- Derek Duncan, 50, Carlisle – 2 years for drug conspiracy
- Marc Woods, 44, Barrow – 13 months for letting his premises be used for drug dealing
Police Snare Major Drug Dealers in Raids
On July 28, 2021, Cumbria Police swooped on an Abbey Road flat in Barrow-in-Furness. Inside, officers found 80 wraps of crack cocaine and 98 heroin wraps worth £3,600, alongside £360 cash. Marc Woods, Derek Duncan, and Fred Williams were caught red-handed.
Phone data tied the trio directly to Djalti and courier Gary Crompton.
Days later, on August 5, another raid at Titchfield Street uncovered 89 heroin wraps and £1,080 in cash. Ben Heavyside and a Merseyside juvenile were arrested.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Liverpool
The final arrest was a dramatic affair on August 17 in Merseyside. Police raided a Liverpool home as Djalti tried to flee on foot through gardens, tossing mobile phones, cash, and a knife. The recovered phones revealed details of the entire county line operation.
“Djalti’s drug operation exploited the most vulnerable in society for profit,” said a spokesperson for the South Area Community Serious and Organised Crime Unit. “He and his gang even used a child to smuggle drugs into the county. They preyed on Cumbrians battling addiction.”
Warning to Dealers: Police Will Find You
The investigation was long and complex, with Merseyside Police playing a crucial role. Djalti eventually pleaded guilty, avoiding a trial.
“I hope these sentences send a clear message to those dealing Class A drugs in South Cumbria: no matter where you live, we will find, arrest, and prosecute you,” said officers.
Police urge anyone with information on drug supply to come forward and help stamp out the deadly trade.
