A Bradford drug gang has been jailed for trafficking heroin and cocaine into Harrogate through a county lines operation.
The group exploited vulnerable children, using them to transport drugs and profits between Bradford and Harrogate.
Authorities dismantled the operation as part of Operation Jackal, an investigation launched by the Organised Crime Unit in 2019.
A joint operation in February 2020 led to multiple arrests in both towns.
West Yorkshire Police, the National Crime Agency, and the National County Lines Coordination Centre collaborated in the effort.
Exploiting Children
The gang recruited local dealers and exploited young children as couriers.
These children were put in harm’s way while traffickers avoided direct involvement.
Two teenagers, both 16 at the time, were arrested but later identified as victims.
Authorities ensured they received safeguarding measures instead of criminal charges.
Detective Sergeant Sam Harding condemned the gang for using children as a shield.
Key Sentences
Several gang members received prison sentences for drug-related crimes and exploitation.
Sanchez Heffernan, 33, of Rufus Street, Bradford, was sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Waqas Ali, 34, of Rufus Street, was sentenced to eight years and eight months for drug offences and four years for human trafficking.
Mohammed Owais Ali, 26, of Basil Street, Bradford, received seven years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Ben Parcell, 42, of Bramham Drive, Harrogate, received two years and three months for similar offences.
Additional Charges
Nicola Jayne Fletcher, 47, of Harrogate, admitted to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
She received an 18-month suspended sentence for two years instead of immediate imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Harding reaffirmed police commitment to tackling county lines operations.
Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activities to help dismantle criminal networks.
Harding stressed that every report, no matter how small, contributes to investigations.
County Lines Explained
County lines drug trafficking involves urban dealers targeting smaller towns like Harrogate.
Gangs use dedicated mobile phone lines to coordinate drug sales and recruit couriers.
Violence, intimidation, and exploitation are common within these operations.
Authorities consider county lines a top priority due to its impact on communities.
The North Yorkshire Police are determined to remove drug traffickers from the streets.
Dangers of Cuckooing
A key concern is cuckooing, where gangs take over vulnerable people’s homes to store and sell drugs.
Dealers often use threats and violence to maintain control over these properties.
Residents are urged to watch for increased visitors, short stays, or antisocial behavior.
Covered windows, unfamiliar vehicles, and long absences of the homeowner can indicate cuckooing.
Authorities encourage immediate reporting of suspicious activity to disrupt these networks.
Identifying Child Exploitation
Signs that a child may be involved in drug trafficking include:
- Going missing from home or school frequently
- Possessing unexplained money, phones, or new clothes
- Excessive calls or messages from unknown numbers
- Associating with controlling or older individuals
- Sudden decline in school performance or withdrawal from friends
- Carrying weapons or showing signs of physical injuries
- Self-harm or drastic changes in emotional health
Reporting and Support
Anyone witnessing drug dealing should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
In emergencies, always call 999 for immediate police assistance.
Drug addiction support is available through organizations like North Yorkshire Rise and Changing Lives.
Helplines like FRANK and NHS addiction services provide confidential assistance for those struggling with substance abuse.
