York Drug Dealers Busted in County Lines Sting
Lewis Benson, 20, from Dewsbury, and Jacob Dobson, 22, from Batley, have been slammed with drug charges after getting caught with class-A substances. Both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply at York Crown Court on 12 April 2024.
Dobson was locked up for three and a half years, while Benson received a 20-month sentence suspended for 18 months.
Police Crack Down on Travelling Drug Pair
On 5 October 2023, officers from the York Expedite Team teamed up with West Yorkshire Police to track down the pair, uncovering their plans to deal drugs in York.
A York hotel room booked in Dobson’s name was caught on CCTV with both men arriving together. When cops stormed the room, they found Benson inside alongside a large stash of class-A drugs, two mobile phones, and a lock knife.
Dobson returned later and was caught with a bundle of cash. Police seized all the evidence and arrested both men. Their phones kept ringing all day, revealing their involvement in ongoing county lines activity.
York Police Fight Back Against County Lines Crime
PC Damion Liversidge, York Expedite Team: “We’re committed to dismantling county lines networks by targeting offenders and protecting victims. This case shows we will relentlessly prosecute drug dealers.”
“Borders don’t stop us. We work closely with other police forces to share intelligence and take action. I urge communities to report suspicious activity – your information could lead to the next conviction.”
Support and Helplines for Those Affected
If you or someone you know is caught up in county lines or worried about drugs, talk to a trusted adult or use confidential services for help and advice.
- Anonymous crime reporting: fearless.org
- Childline counselling: 0800 1111
- North 1 Rise (young people’s drug & alcohol support): Freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2)
- North Yorkshire Horizons (adult support): Freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk
- York Drug and Alcohol Service: 01904 464 680 – changing-lives.org.uk
- DRUGFAM (support for families affected by addiction): 0300 888 3853 – drugfam.co.uk
More York support info at livewellyork.co.uk
