County Lines Drug Gang Busted in Portsmouth
Two men have been locked up for their part in a ruthless County Lines drugs network operating around Portsmouth and Gosport. The gang, known as ‘Justin’, pushed Class A drugs between October 2019 and March 2020.
£30,000 Cash and Stashes of Cocaine and Heroin Seized
At a previous hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, officers revealed they seized £20,000 to £30,000 in cash and 200 bundles of suspected cocaine and heroin from a suspect’s home. One bundle alone contained 280 wraps of cocaine worth £2,800 on the streets.
Key Players Slapped with Long Prison Terms
- Stephan Gomes, 31 from Croydon, London, played a lead role. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin, plus involvement in supplying crack cocaine and heroin. Gomes was jailed for eight years and six months.
- Gary Black, 64 of Portsmouth, described as having a major role, also pleaded guilty to involvement in supplying crack cocaine and heroin. He received a sentence of three years and ten months.
Operation Monument and Orochi: A New Era in Fighting County Lines
This court case is the first major success from a joint crackdown led by Hampshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police. Under Operation Monument and Operation Orochi, police shifted their focus from low-level street dealers to the masterminds behind the networks.
“We are now targeting those who run and profit from these drug lines,” said Chief Inspector Mark Lynch, tactical lead for Hampshire’s drug-related harm team. “This approach is delivering longer sentences and seriously disrupting supply in Hampshire, while protecting vulnerable people.”
Detective Sergeant Liam Cook added: “This joint operation is a landmark. It’s rare to see such lengthy sentences handed down for County Lines. We’re sending a clear warning that drug dealing won’t be tolerated in Hampshire.”
Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones said: “Our coordinated work up and down the country means we catch these criminals faster and with stronger evidence. This investigation shows just how effective our approach is in locking up violent drug dealers.”
Police Appeal to the Public
If you spot drug activity in your community, police urge you to come forward. “Every tip-off helps us build the intelligence needed to take these networks down,” said Detective Sergeant Cook.
This joint crackdown proves that when police forces unite, the fight against County Lines drug trafficking can mean serious jail time for offenders and safer communities for us all.
