Gang jailed for bringing drugs into Devon

2 April 2019, 14:41 | Updated: 2 April 2019, 14:44

A drug dealing gang who brought high purity crack-cocaine and heroin from London to sell on the streets of Newton Abbot and Torbay, have been jailed.

The four men, part of a so-called County Lines operation from 2017, ingratiated themselves with local drug users and then used their homes to store and sell crack cocaine and heroin, known as cuckooing. 

All involved pleaded guilty to the offences.

Reagan Meacher (pictured), aged 20 of New Addington, Croydon was sentenced to four year in prison for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin.

A 17-year-old male of Mitcham, Surrey who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin.

A 17-year-old male of Lower Argyll Mews, Exeter who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to 18 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin, and assaulting an emergency worker when he assaulted a Police Custody Sergeant.

Lee Tatum aged 37 of Paignton, Devon awaits sentencing following the outcome of a drug rehabilitation order assessment; this matter will be heard on 30 April. Tatum is currently on bail.

A fifth male, aged 17 of Whyteleafe, Surrey who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Croydon Youth Court on the 21 March to a 12 month referral order for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and conspiracy to supply heroin.

Detective Inspector Lee Nattrass from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police remain committed to tackling County Lines drug supply gangs and ensuring that the area remains one of the safest places to live and visit in the UK. 

“County Lines is a term used to describe urban gangs supplying drugs to other parts of the UK using dedicated mobile phone lines. The gangs are likely to exploit children or vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and they will often use violence and coercion.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact their local force online or by using the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can report information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”