Bridgwater Drug Gang Busted in Major County Lines Crackdown
A ruthless drugs gang operating in Bridgwater has been smashed after locals reported open drug dealing in the town. Police acted on tip-offs to pinpoint drug hotspots and stopped suspicious individuals, uncovering a network selling heroin and crack cocaine.
Phone Lines Crack Open County Lines Operation
Officers seized evidence from several stops, leading them to two phone lines used to coordinate Class A drug sales. Raids followed across Bridgwater, Wolverhampton, and London, executing nine warrants and arresting four men and three women.
- Massive hauls of Class A drugs and cash recovered
- Weapons, live ammo, and a stab vest found during searches
Guilty Verdicts Handed Down at Taunton Crown Court
All seven defendants pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying crack cocaine and heroin. Sentences handed down include:
- Natasia Gayle, 26, Wolverhampton: 3 years 6 months
- Malique Orrell, 27, Birmingham: 3 years 1 month
- Emmanuel Buyondo, 26, no fixed address: 3 years 4 months
- Tina Austin-Saunders, 43, no fixed address: 2 years 9 months
- Lewis Cunningham, 20, Bristol: 2 years 2 months
- Clare Finka, 48, Bridgwater: 2-year suspended sentence + rehab
- Phoenix Fox, 33, Bridgwater: 2-year suspended sentence + rehab
Police Warn: County Lines Gangs Won’t Be Tolerated
“County lines gangs continue to be a significant national problem,” said Detective Sergeant Jonathan Atkin. “These criminals don’t care about the harm they cause vulnerable people or communities, just the money they make.”
“This breakthrough is thanks to the hard graft of officers working with West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police. We’ve disrupted a key supply chain and will keep hunting those trafficking drugs into our towns.”
“These sentences send a clear warning: we will arrest and stop anyone bringing harmful drugs into our communities.”
