A ruthless drug ring operating from Bexley and Greenwich has been sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison for supplying crack cocaine and heroin from Stratford into West Surrey and Hampshire.
The county lines operation was uncovered after coordinated raids in March 2023, resulting in nine arrests across London, Surrey, and Hampshire. The investigation was a joint effort by Surrey, Sussex, and Metropolitan Police forces.
Key members of the gang received heavy sentences: Ross Bannister, 30, from Greenwich, was jailed for 9 years and 4 months for dealing Class A drugs. Abraham Musoke, 29, from Bexley, who acted as a courier, was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months. Jamie Smith, 31, from Greenwich, served as a local controller and received 3 years and 1 month. Billy Cross, 25, from Basildon, was sentenced to 9 years and 4 months for supplying Class A drugs. Paul Skabarntsky, 29, with no fixed address, also a local controller, was jailed for 3 years and 1 month. Liam Neylon, 27, from Farnham, another local controller, was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months.
Additionally, runners Noella Facer from Farnborough, Bean Pearce from Alton, and Kerry Pearce from Alton received two-year suspended sentences.
Police have emphasized that their efforts to combat drug gangs continue. PC Ed Bush condemned the gang’s exploitation of vulnerable individuals, stating: “All these individuals are part of a system that preys on the vulnerable and brings nothing but misery to our communities. Every day, we are working to identify who they are and disrupt their networks. I hope this case shows that it doesn’t matter how long it takes – we will find you.”
Authorities are now focusing on seizing assets acquired through the gang’s illegal activities. The public is urged to report any suspicious drug-related activity or concerns about vulnerable people being targeted by gangs. Tips can be given directly to Surrey Police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information and to stay updated on county lines crime prevention, visit the Surrey Police website.
Originally published by UKNIP.
