County Lines Kingpin Slapped with 8-and-a-Half Year Jail Term
Two drug dealers linked to a ruthless County Lines network dubbed ‘Justin’ have been slammed with hefty prison sentences at Portsmouth Crown Court. The gang operated in Portsmouth and Gosport, dealing Class A drugs between October 2019 and March 2020.
£20k Cash and £26k Worth of Cocaine and Heroin Seized
Police swooped on the suspects’ homes, raking in £20,000-£30,000 in cash and a stash of 200 wraps of suspected cocaine and heroin with a street value of £26,360. One bundle alone contained 280 wraps of cocaine worth £2,800.
Mastermind and Key Player Jailed
- Stephan Gomes, 31, from Croydon, London, was branded the ringleader. He pleaded guilty to four charges including possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin plus conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin. Gomes was sentenced to eight years and six months behind bars.
- Gary Black, 64, of Portsmouth, who played a significant role, admitted two counts related to Class A drugs and was handed nearly four years in prison.
Groundbreaking Operation Targets Kingpins
This bust is the first major success of Operation Monument, Hampshire Constabulary’s new crackdown on County Lines trafficking, working alongside Metropolitan Police’s Operation Orochi.
Chief Inspector Mark Lynch said: “We’ve shifted focus from street dealers to those controlling national drug networks, leading to longer sentences and better protection for vulnerable communities.”
Detective Sergeant Liam Cook added: “This joint probe dismantled a dangerous network and sent a clear warning to others trying to target Hampshire. Drugs fuel violence and misery – we’re committed to stamping it out.”
Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones of the Metropolitan Police said: “By synchronising investigations at both ends of County Lines operations, we’re cracking down hard and building solid cases that result in early guilty pleas and jail time.”
Communities Urged to Help Fight Back
Police urge anyone spotting drug activity in their area to come forward and help bust dealers spreading chaos across Hampshire and beyond.
