Liverpool man jailed over role in supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Cornwall
He was arrested in Newquay after police found a phone linked to the 'JC2 Line'
Last updated 24th Jun 2022
A Liverpool man has been jailed for his role in supplying controlled Class A drugs in Cornwall.
23-year-old Bradley Graham, of Edge Grove, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday 24 June, where he was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
It relates to the supply of crack cocaine and heroin between 16th April and 20th June 2020.
What are the facts of the case?
Devon & Cornwall Police say: "Graham was arrested in Newquay on 19th June 2020 where he was found in possession of a mobile phone linked to the ‘JC Line’ - an established County Line between Liverpool and Cornwall.
"County Lines is a term used to describe gangs, groups or drug networks that supply drugs from urban to suburban or rural areas across the county, using dedicated mobile phone lines or ‘deal lines’.
"Following Graham's arrest officers searched his hotel room where bundles of cash totalling almost £1,400 were found, along with clingfilm, gloves and a second mobile phone, relating to the 'JC2 Line'.
"A drug expert described the items as 'consistent with materials used in the supply of controlled drugs’.
"In interview Graham told officers that he was in Cornwall on holiday and denied that the phone found in his possession was in fact his – claiming he must have accidently picked up someone else’s phone when he left the beach.
"Examination of the phones found showed 'batch' messages being sent on 56 occasions over a two-month period, with the content being consistent with the supply of drugs.
"Graham initially pleaded not guilty to the offences but at a later pretrial review, changed his plea".
What is the response from police?
A police spokesperson said: “Drugs have a detrimental impact on our communities and County Lines drug dealing often exploits the most vulnerable people and can have long lasting and detrimental impacts.
“We work alongside other forces and partner agencies so share information and intelligence, but we also rely on the public to report any suspicious behaviours and activity.”
Further information, the signs of County Lines and details on how to report can be found on the Devon & Cornwall Police website.