TWO men who admitted their involvement in a Hampshire County Lines drug network have been jailed for a total of more than 12 years.

The pair pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court at a previous hearing in relation to being involved in the supply of Class A drugs, as part of a County Lines drugs network known as Justin. 

The network operated in the Portsmouth and Gosport areas of Hampshire and the charges related to a period between October 2019 and March 2020.

Officers seized cash totalling £20-30,000 and 200 bundles of wraps suspected to be cocaine and heroin with a street value of £26,360 from his home address. 

One of the bundles was found to contain 280 individual wraps of cocaine with a street value of £2,800.

Stephan Gomes, 31, of Donald Road, Croydon, London pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin and two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to 8 years 6 months in prison.

Gary Black, 64, of Tokio Road, Portsmouth, who is described as having a significant role, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to 3 years 10 months in prison. 

Detective Sergeant Liam Cook from Hampshire Constabulary said: “This is an exceptional result for what was the first joint investigation under Op Monument.

"Interventions and sentences of this duration have been rare and I am pleased that the determination of officers and staff from both Hampshire Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police has resulted in dismantling this network and bringing them to justice.

“There is an undeniable link between drugs and violence and that is why disrupting the supply through County Lines is a crucial part of our work.

"Over the past year we have developed a much deeper understanding of the drivers of County Lines and how those orchestrating it operate.

"It is an abhorrent crime that causes misery for communities. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop Hampshire being targeted by drugs networks and I hope this sentencing acts as a warning to others considering coming to our city to deal drugs that it will not be tolerated.

“If you have any concerns about drug-related activity in your area, please get in touch. All information helps us develop a stronger intelligence picture and could help us catch and convict those who are dealing drugs in our communities.”