County lines gang jailed for more than 27 years
The ‘Mo’ line supplied crack cocaine and heroin across Colchester
Last updated 17th Sep 2025
A gang who ran a one-stop drugs shop in Colchester have been jailed for more than 27 years.
Essex Police started an investigation into three suspects linked to the ‘Mo’ line, which sold crack cocaine and heroin between late 2024 and March 2025.
The line was found to be linked to the carrying of firearms.
Officers carried out warrants at two Colchester addresses in March this year, recovering vast quantities of drugs estimated to be worth £225,590.
Two blank firing handguns, a number of rounds of ammunition and a large machete were also seized.
Shakime Morrison, Mapalo Ziba, and Robert Axton were all arrested.
Morrison and Ziba admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, ketamine and cannabis. They further admitted possession criminal property and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Morrison and Ziba were each jailed for 11 years and six months at Ipswich Crown Court.
Axten admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as supplying cannabis, and sentenced to four years and one month imprisonment.
DC Andrew Kirkpatrick, officer in the case, said: “Morrison tried to lie his way to arguing he played a lesser role in this operation.
“In reality, he kept guns for protection, intimidation and for status value as part of his drug dealing lifestyle.
“He played a leading role in resurrecting his friend’s drug line.
“County lines activity, as this case demonstrates, is linked to the use of weapons and violence in Essex.
“Through teams like Operation Raptor, we are dedicating significant time and resources to ensuring these gangs have little room to manoeuvre in Essex.
“It’s always a case of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ they are tracked down and caught.
“As these sentences show, the courts take a dim view of organised drug dealing – offenders can expect to spend a substantial portion of their lives behind bars.”