A man who operated a so-called 'ghost' drugs line in Tamworth, sending thousands of messages advertising illegal substances for sale, has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars.
The 'Ghost' Line and the Arrest
Reece Winter, aged 27 and of no fixed address, was the runner for the covert operation, which peddled cocaine, heroin, and cannabis to addicts in the area. Staffordshire Police's Major and Organised Crime Proactive Team arrested Winter in March following a targeted investigation into drug supply in Tamworth.
The arrest came after officers searched a property in Burntwood. During the search, they discovered significant quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. Police also seized cash and digital scales, indicative of a drug supply business.
Scale of the Operation
An examination of the mobile phone line Winter used revealed the staggering scale of the enterprise. In just two months, between January and February, the line dispatched more than 2,800 messages advertising drugs for sale. This 'ghost' line method is commonly used by criminal networks to avoid detection, using pay-as-you-go phones and frequently changing numbers.
At Stafford Crown Court on Thursday, November 27, Winter admitted to a series of serious charges. His guilty pleas included:
- Being concerned in the supply of heroin.
- Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.
- Possession with intent to supply cocaine.
- Possession with intent to supply cannabis.
- Possession of criminal property.
Police Crackdown and Community Warning
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police emphasised their ongoing commitment to dismantling drug networks. "We’re working hard in Staffordshire to bring a stop to the drug networks that are profiting from addiction and vulnerability in local communities," the force stated.
The police highlighted the exploitative nature of such operations, noting that "these networks often coerce vulnerable local people into selling the drugs on their behalf and are often linked to further organised crime."
The force issued a clear appeal to the public, stressing that community intelligence is vital. "It is vital that anyone who witnesses drug dealing reports it to us so that we can act robustly against the criminals involved," the spokesperson concluded. Reece Winter was ultimately sentenced to a total of five years and one month imprisonment.
