Weston-super-Mare county lines drug gang sentenced
- Published
Jordan Moseley, Kyle Cox, Aaron Staples, Mohammed Shazad Salim, Connor Kennedy, Brandon Truman, Matthew Coombes & Liam Simms were all sentenced for their roles in the operation
Eight men have been sentenced to a total of 36 years and nine months for drug offences.
Their convictions come after an Avon & Somerset Police operation against drug dealing in Weston-super-Mare.
The eight, all from the town, were sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 5 October.
"This sentence sends a clear message that individuals involved in the supply of drugs will be dealt with robustly," said PC Howard Brown.
Avon and Somerset Police's investigation began after a search of a property on Jubilee Road on 30 March, 2021.
Officers found Class A drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash - along with a burner phone.
They traced the supply network to Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil.
A total of £5,000 in cash, along with heroin and crack cocaine with a street value of £7,000, was seized after a series of warrants were executed.
'Harm to communities'
"County lines crime continues to be a problem which often involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the supply of illegal drugs which causes harm to our communities," said PC Brown.
"Avon and Somerset is no place for drugs," he added.
Seven of the defendants pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Jordan Moseley, 33 of Shrubbery Walk West, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.
Kyle Cox, 25 of Appledore, was jailed for four years.
Aaron Staples, 26 of Birchwood Avenue, was also sentenced for being in possession with intent to supply cocaine and possessing a mobile phone in prison. He was jailed for seven years and two months.
Liam Simms, 21 of no fixed address, was jailed for six years and four months.
Connor Kennedy, 20 of no fixed address, was jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Brandon Truman, 20 of Wilson Gardens, was jailed for two years and 11 months.
Matthew Coombes, 21 of Appledore, was jailed for three years and 10 months.
Mohammed Shazad Salim, 27 of Ashcombe Road, pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an organised crime group, and was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 160 hours' unpaid work.
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