Two men behind Northamptonshire’s notorious “Jack Line” drug ring have been jailed after a police crackdown on heroin and crack cocaine supply.
Gawain Benson, 20, and Reece Dutton, 24, were locked up following their operation of a Class A drug distribution network across Northamptonshire. The pair ran the so-called “Jack Line” between June and December 2024, supplying heroin and crack cocaine to local communities.
Northamptonshire Police launched a full-scale investigation after receiving intelligence about increasing street-level drug dealing. Officers discovered that Benson was the mastermind behind the drug phone line, while Dutton managed deliveries and customer sales.
The investigation culminated in December 2024 when Dutton was arrested in Wellingborough town centre. Police found him carrying heroin, crack cocaine, a stash of cash, and the mobile phone used to coordinate drug deals. Later the same day, Benson was detained at his home in Northampton, where officers seized the “Jack Line” phone, cash, and cannabis.
At Northampton Crown Court in January 2025, Benson admitted to supplying Class A drugs, cannabis possession, and offences related to criminal proceeds. Dutton pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs and possessing criminal property.
On March 6, Benson was sentenced to six years in prison, while Dutton received a three-year sentence.
Detective Constable Joe Sheffield, who led the investigation, said: “This was a complex investigation into a local drug line, and I am really pleased it has resulted in these prison sentences. Though Benson controlled the line, Dutton was just as guilty. They profited by pushing hard drugs on some of society’s most vulnerable.”
He added, “I hope they reflect on their crimes while inside and know that Northamptonshire Police will not tolerate any return to this offending.”
Northamptonshire Police urge anyone with information about drug crime to report it by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
