TWO drug dealers have been given prison sentences totalling eight years after using teenagers to sell hardcore drugs in Trowbridge.

Lincoln Thomas, 49, of Herbert Gardens in London, was given a six-year sentence for conspiring to supply heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and possession of criminal property, while Rico Witter, 21, of Malwayn Close, Trowbridge, was sentenced for two years after a guilty plea to the same offences in April 2016.

The investigation began in October 2015 after two 16-year-old boys were stopped by police officers whilst they were driving in Manor Road, Trowbridge. After an inspection the officers found heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and cash in the car. After arresting the two boys, the officers visited one of their homes where another 16-year-old was arrested. At the home they found more heroin and crack cocaine, bringing the total value of drugs seized that day between £3,000 and £5,700.

On December 7 one of the same teens was arrested and found to be in possession of more crack cocaine and cannabis. Further enquiries identified Witter as being involved in the drugs supply which lead to his arrest. At Witter’s home address, officers discovered £7,185 in cash and over £3,000 worth of cannabis.

Thomas was also located at the home and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis. A visit to Thomas’ home address in London saw officers seize drugs paraphernalia, a home CCTV system and a police-type baton. Officers then concluded that Thomas was involved in the supply of Class A drugs and was bringing them to Trowbridge to be passed on to the teenagers who would then sell them.

PC Ian Tilley, of the Dedicated Crime Team at Melksham, said: “This investigation began when we discovered that impressionable 16-year-olds were being exploited for the purposes of supplying crack cocaine and heroin onto the streets of Trowbridge, after being brought into Wiltshire from London. Dangerous Drug Networks in large metropolitan areas such as London believe that Wiltshire is a soft target and travel here to expand their drug businesses.”

Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cannabis and for the possession of criminal property, but not guilty to the other offences. When asked to account for his quick turn- around journeys to Trowbridge, he stated that he was living at both his addressed in London and Malwayn Close in Trowbridge.

He was found guilty by the jury of conspiring to supply heroin and crack cocaine, on January 30 he was sentenced to six years for conspiring to supply heroin, six years for conspiring to supply crack cocaine, 20 months for conspiring to supply cannabis and 28 months for possession of criminal property. The sentences are to run concurrently.

“This investigation shows that they are very much mistaken and we will work tirelessly to uncover evidence of these organised criminal conspiracies and bring those involved to account. Thomas was fully aware that 16-year-olds were being exploited for this purpose and it is right that his sentence is the heaviest,” added PC Tilley.

“Drug supply is a chain of exploitation from beginning to end and I am satisfied that the sentences imposed in this case reflect this. Crack cocaine and heroin destroy lives and the criminal behaviour associated with it blights entire communities and I would urge anybody who becomes aware of drug and gang activity in their area to come forward; all information is treated with the utmost discretion.”