A drugs gang that used bulk text messages to advertise crack cocaine and heroin across the Midlands has been dismantled, with its members now serving prison sentences totalling more than 17 years.
The 'Croc Line' Operation
The organised crime group, which operated in the Beaumont Leys area of Leicester, ran what was known as the 'Croc line'. They utilised three dedicated mobile phone numbers to send out mass marketing messages, advertising the sale of class A drugs to potential customers.
Their illegal enterprise began to unravel in January this year, when gang member Kevin Edens, 55, was observed by police dealing drugs on a city street. Officers also witnessed his accomplice, Connor Kieley, 29, topping up credit on one of the phones central to the texting operation.
Police Investigation and Arrests
This intelligence led to a deeper probe by Leicester Police's Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) Pursue team. Their investigation identified three other men as key players in the supply chain: Oliver Roberts, 30, Neville Sutton, 54, and Callum Johnson, 53.
All five defendants later admitted their roles at Leicester Crown Court. Each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and one count of conspiracy to supply heroin. Oliver Roberts additionally admitted possession of criminal property, while Callum Johnson pleaded guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
Sentences Handed Down
The group was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, November 28. The individual prison terms imposed were:
- Oliver Roberts, of Marwell Close, Leicester: 56 months imprisonment.
- Connor Kieley, of Langley Walk, Leicester: 48 months imprisonment.
- Kevin Edens, of Canonsleigh Road, Leicester: 36 months imprisonment.
- Neville Sutton, of Derry Walk, Leicester: 36 months imprisonment.
- Callum Johnson, of Barnwell Avenue, Leicester: 36 months imprisonment.
PC Joseph Turner, the officer in the case from the SOC Pursue team, stated: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to drug dealing and will identify those responsible to bring them to justice."
He added: "I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the people of West Leicester that the force is taking the necessary steps to deal with those causing harm. We want to work with our communities to tackle the supply of drugs and information provided by the public can be key to our investigations."
PC Turner concluded with an appeal for community assistance: "If you have any information about drug dealing in your area, then I’d encourage you to make a report to police."
