Three more ‘Abs line’ gang members sentenced in Lincolnshire
Police have arrested more than 70 people resulting in custodial sentences of over 120 years
Police in Lincolnshire have confirmed 3 more people have been sentenced as part of a huge operation, dismantling eight drugs lines.
The force began the crackdown on organised crime along the county’s east coast in September 2022, a response to in-fighting between drugs gangs.
Since then, officers have arrested more than 70 people resulting in custodial sentences of over 120 years.
Today’s proceedings (6 June) mark the conclusion of this investigation.
Three members of the ‘Abs line’ appeared at Lincoln Crown Court this week.
They were sentenced for their part in the conspiracy to supply class A drugs in a drugs line valued in excess of £100,000.
Connor Darwent, 27, of Donald Cobley Close, Hinckley, Leicestershire, also pleaded guilty to an offence of dangerous driving and was yesterday, Thursday 5 June, sentenced to two years and six months for both offences.
Two other defendants were sentenced as follows today:
Kirsty Reilly, 32, of Wappenbury Road, Coventry, received a three-year custodial sentence.
Sarah Makey, 47, of Winston Drive, Skegness, received a 21-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, plus ordered to undertake 80 hours of unpaid work.
"ripple effects"
Detective Inspector Will Tharby said: “Drug dealing reaches far beyond those directly involved in the exchange of money for drugs.
"Its ripple effects fuel antisocial behaviour, robbery, burglary, and violence—not just among those entrenched in the drug trade, but across entire communities.
"Families, neighbours, and local businesses all feel the weight of drug-related crime, facing its disruptive and often devastating consequences.
“This result is testament to the tireless work and dedication of the entire team. We’ve dismantled a thoroughly harmful operation, taken drugs off the streets, and sent a clear message - criminal networks will not thrive in Lincolnshire’s communities.”
As the operation evolved, efforts to identify and disrupt the drug trafficking sources were pivotal, with 60 warrants executed in a two-month period of arrests and property searches.
There were sometimes three or four enforcements a week between February and March of 2023.