London Drill Rapper Jailed for Trafficking Teen in Essex County Lines Crackdown
Xavion Benson, a London drill artist, has been locked up for five years and seven months after running the notorious Peter and Zak drug lines between London and Clacton. Between November 2021 and March 2022, the operation pumped Class A drugs into the Essex seaside town, exploiting vulnerable users and a teenage boy trafficked to sell on their behalf.
Teen Groomed, Trafficked and Forced to Sell Drugs
In January 2022, Benson trafficked a teenage boy from London to Clacton, commanding him to sell drugs. The boy was trapped in filthy squalor for nearly two weeks—unable to wash, eat properly, or care for himself—and lost a significant amount of weight. Benson promised £2,800 for the boy’s “work,” but never paid up.
The boy’s parents reported him missing to the Metropolitan Police, sparking an investigation. Officers working on Operation Raptor linked the teen’s phone to the drug lines already under surveillance, revealing a grim picture of trafficking and child exploitation.
Police Crackdown Uncovers Drill Rap Ties and Drug Network
The Met’s Operation Orochi identified Benson as the head of the drug lines. A music video under his stage name, ‘Pushweight Bandit,’ showed him bragging about sending a “young boy” out to sell drugs—evidence used against him in court.
Ryan Arrowsmith, 32, was also arrested for his role in the drug operation. He sent bulk texts advertising drug deals and tried to flush drugs down the toilet during a home search in Sidcup. Police seized over £2,000 worth of Class A drugs linked to him.
Sentences and Orders Signal Tough Essex Stance on County Lines
- Benson, 22, pleaded guilty to human trafficking and supply of Class A drugs.
- He received five years and seven months in prison.
- A slavery and trafficking prevention order now bars him from arranging travel for anyone except himself or family, lasting seven years.
- Arrowsmith got four years and three months and a seven-year criminal behaviour order.
Detective Inspector James Healy said: “County lines gangs target vulnerable children and communities. This is trafficking and exploitation—a disgusting crime. We were determined to secure a conviction under the Modern Slavery Act because of the severe impact on the victim and his family.”
“This is Essex’s first conviction of its kind, thanks to the tireless work of officers who tracked down and arrested those responsible.”
PC Harlie Turner, who led the investigation, added: “These gangs lure children with promises of money and designer clothes, but kids quickly learn the grim reality—going missing, living in squalor, and working for drug gangs.”
“We’re proud we could rescue this boy and give him and his family a chance to escape the gang lifestyle.”
