A DRUG dealer from Lutterworth has been jailed for five years for his role in a ‘drugs line’ gang in the Leicestershire area.
Joshua Davies, 24, of Crescent Road, Lutterworth, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court following a police investigation into the gang.
He was arrested as part of warrants carried out by Leicestershire Police in September last year.
Leicester men Nathan Degia, Wayne Ayres and Simon Patterson were jailed alongside Davies.
Degia, 36, of Walpole Court, was sentenced to three years and four months, Ayres, 35, of Swithland Avenue, to two years, and Patterson, 41, of Hinckley Road, to three years and six months.
Police identified phone lines which were being used to orchestrate the sale of crack cocaine and heroin in the area.
Degia was identified as controlling the line, with Davies operating it. Both Degia and Davies were arrested at their homes, with crack cocaine and heroin seized from both addresses. Cash was also recovered from Degia’s address.
Ayres and Patterson were identified as street dealers and were found dealing in the Narborough Road area of Leicester by police on September 6 where they were arrested. Ayres was found with a bag of crack cocaine in his hand.
Patterson tried to swallow a bag of crack cocaine and heroin at the scene but it was taken from his mouth. Police discovered crack cocaine, heroin and cash at Patterson’s home.
The four men were interviewed and later charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
Davies, Degia and Patterson were also charged with possession of criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
All four pleaded guilty to the charges.
Det Cons Damian Young said: “Degia, Davies, Ayres and Patterson believed they could carry out this drug dealing ‘business’ while evading police. But following investigative work, we were able to bring them to court where they all admitted their involvement.
“Drug dealers cause harm to our society and we remain committed to bringing those involved in drug offending to the courts. We urge anyone who has any information regarding drug offences to report it to us so that we can investigate and take the necessary action.”
Report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
