Two men sentenced for county lines drug dealing

We welcome the sentencing of two men to a total of more than 17 years in prison following an investigation into County Lines drug dealing.
 
Thomas Davies, 27 years, and Siyabonga Konze, 30 years, both from South Wales appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Monday 24 January) where they both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin.
 
Davies was jailed for 10 years and two months, while Konze was sentenced to seven years and two months.
 
On 30 September 2021, Davies and Konze were stopped in a car travelling along Cullen Street in Toxteth. 
 
Following a search of the vehicle they were arrested in possession of 5.5kg of heroin, with a street value of £220,000 to £330,000.
 
Project Medusa is a Merseyside-led initiative set up to tackle County Lines drug dealing and child criminal exploitation, which has seen more than 1,300 people arrested and £1.4 million cash seized.

Detective Inspector Gary Stratton said: “Organised crime is hugely damaging to our communities, often involving intimidation, violence and creating fear and it is these criminals who run County Lines. 
 
“Criminals involved in organised crime have no thought for anyone other than themselves, and their criminal intent and greed.
 
“Project Medusa is dedicated to cutting these County Lines dead and taking those who operate them off our streets and working with partners to help those who may be exploited by these gangs.”
 
Read more here about how to spot the signs of exploitation linked to drug dealing and the
Eyes Open campaign, introduced by Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership: www.eyes-open.co.uk
 
You can also report any concerns to police on 999 if a crime is in progress, via 101, or via Twitter @MerPolCC.
 
You can also pass information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org