A MAN has been sentenced to more than five years for drugs offences after pleading guilty at Worcester Crown Court last Friday, January 21.
Shadrach Tapper, 29, from Ashley Close, Birmingham was arrested on November 17, 2020 in Redditch by the North Worcestershire County Lines Team when officers acted on information they were given by the public.
This led to an investigation into a ‘county line’ dealing drugs from Birmingham into Redditch called the ‘Marlow Line’.
On November 17 detectives were told Tapper, who considered to be playing a significant role in the county line, was at an address of a vulnerable drug user in the Redditch.
Following his arrest, detectives discovered he was actually in charge of the Marlow Line which had been dealing drugs into Redditch for some time.
Tapper was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to 67 and half months in prison.
Detective Constable David Laver said: “Disrupting the Marlow Line which has been distributing drugs into Redditch will go a long way to protecting many young people who are often vulnerable and keep them from being further exploited.
“Tackling drugs and organised crime is a force priority for West Mercia Police and we will continue to pursue those involved in these offences and the associated harm such as criminal exploitation, cuckoo-ing and street violence in Redditch and across North Worcestershire.
“I would ask anyone who is concerned that drug dealing is happening in their street or town to please contact us, or Crimestoppers and we will investigate.
“We are determined to keep people safe and protect them from harm and working together we can achieve this and put people like Tapper in prison.”
West Mercia Police’s Protect campaign aims to tackle serious and organised crime together and is underpinned by a four P principle – Pursue, Prevent, Protect and Prepare.
If someone doesn’t want to speak to police, they can anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
