County Lines Drug Gang Busted in Basingstoke – 46 Years Jail Time Handed Down
Nine members of a ruthless County Lines Class A drugs cartel have been jailed for a combined total of 46 years and seven months. The gang ran four intertwined drug networks—Monster, Bestie, Nemo, and Smallz—peddling heroin and crack cocaine across Basingstoke from December 2018 to October 2019.
How The Cartel Operated
The four drug lines shared suppliers from Wembley, North London, alongside safe houses and runners, Portsmouth Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Mark Ruffell explained the networks co-operated to avoid turf wars and fend off rival gangs.
Two men, Ahmed Abdullah and Antonio Abayomi, ran the operation’s core. The Crown described them as organisers ensuring a nonstop flow of Class A drugs in Basingstoke.
Key Players and Their Sentences
- Ahmed Abdullah, 32, dubbed the “Operator” of the Monster network, admitted conspiring to supply Class A drugs. The former self-styled plumber got nine years and six months. The judge called him “ruthless” and “cruel” in managing his crew.
- Antonio Abayomi, 22, ran the Bestie line and recruited underage dealers. He was locked up for seven years and six months after admitting four counts of drug conspiracy.
- Charlene Hougham, 32, played a “significant” role working closely with Abdullah. Found carrying drugs worth over £2,000, she was sentenced to five years and five months.
- Andrew Russell, 27, recruited by Abdullah and active in deliveries, got four years and ten months.
- Adam Harman, 27, hired cars, allowed his home as a base, and transported drugs. He received four years and ten months.
- Devon Codrington, 19, a ground-level ‘lieutenant’ for Monster, was jailed for four years.
- Louis Craze, 23, dealt for Nemo and Monster networks, earning four years and ten months.
- Karl Boness, 32, a runner, got two years and two months.
- Anthony Nish, 52, chauffeur for key gang members across multiple towns, sentenced to three years and six months.
Abdullah, Abayomi, Codrington, and Russell are also slapped with Serious Crime Prevention Orders lasting five years upon release.
More Sentences Loom for Accomplices
Three more women linked to the gang face sentencing on January 20, 2021:
- Stacey Knock, 29, partner of Adam Harman, helped hire cars and ferry gang members around.
- Kelly Tomkins, 43, the gang’s “banker,” moved nearly £18,500 in criminal cash.
- Tyne Tara Cox, 27, a top dealer described as part of Abdullah’s “crew,” pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy.
Another woman, Becky Knott, 27, awaits sentencing for housing gang members and acting as a courier.
Police and CPS Fight Back
Basingstoke’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Karen McManus, said: “This case shows the complex and organised nature of County Lines drug networks operating locally. These sentences prove crime carries a hefty price.”
“Thanks to the determined work of our officers and community support, we’ve smashed this dangerous cartel and taken them off our streets. If you spot drug activity, report it online or by calling 101. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Mary-Ruth Johnson, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, added: “This complex case relied on analysing thousands of pages of mobile phone evidence to bring these criminals to justice. We remain committed to prosecuting county lines dealers exploiting young people.”
