A drug dealer who flooded users of crack cocaine and heroin with messages from a dedicated 'graft' phone has been jailed.
Blake Walker, from Manchester, controlled the mobile phone and sent bulk texts including 'best of both massive 10' to drug users in Humberside advertising the sale of class A drugs. The 25-year-old was part of a county lines organised crime group known as the 'Mancsies' drugs line.
Operating from Greater Manchester, Walker remained in contact with a drug runner in Humberside and is believed to have been facilitating the supply of crack cocaine and heroin since April 2021.
READ MORE: Family's devastation as beloved son, 25, killed in horror Manchester smash
Manchester Crown Court heard up to two or three times a day he sent messages saying, ‘best of both massive 10’ and ‘best about massive things 6 for 50 12 for 100’.
In September a warrant was executed at Walker's address and he was detained by officers from the newly established and dedicated County Lines Team covering Greater Manchester.
A search of the property located his "graft" phone in the bedroom and was taken by officers for analysis. When interviewed by police Walker answered no comment to all questions put to him and was charged and remanded in custody a short time later.
At an earlier hearing he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was jailed for 32 months during a sentencing hearing on Tuesday (13 December).
Detective Chief Inspector Claire McGuire, of Programme Challenger’s Organised Crime Coordination Unit at GMP, said: "Walker became subject to an investigation that was led by our dedicated County Lines Team.
"He played a significant role within the ‘Mancsies’ organised crime group by facilitating and controlling the advertisement of class A drugs to vulnerable users in the Humberside area.
"Despite providing no explanation in his police interview as to the activity on the graft phone he later admitted to his involvement in the criminal network and is now behind bars.
"Here in Greater Manchester, we’re determined to identify and seek out people like Walker who profit from the supply of drugs that often brings with it the exploitation of children and vulnerable people and I encourage anyone who believes it could be happening in their community to report it to police."
A county line is the advertisement of illegal drugs via a mobile phone, known as a 'graft line', the drugs are then moved by dealers from one area to another as well as to other places across the country.
The organised crime groups will often exploit children to transport the drugs and money profited from its supply. The exploitation often includes using the homes of vulnerable adults as a base to store and deal the drugs from – a term known as cuckooing.
Anyone who has information related to drug activity, including county lines, is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police online via LiveChat, if able, or by calling 101.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
READ NEXT:
