Newark drug gang jailed after county lines operation uncovered
Sentences handed down following coordination by Nottinghamshire Police
Last updated 9th Apr 2026
A group responsible for running a county lines drug operation from Lenton to Newark has been jailed following a police investigation.
Matthew Harveye, a 36-year-old key member, was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
In a coordinated police effort, warrants were executed at linked residences in Newark, Balderton, and Lenton on 13th March 2025.
Officers seized wraps of Class A drugs, scales, cash, and cutting agents connecting the gang to a broader drug distribution network.
Analysis of several mobile phones recovered unveiled thousands of messages detailing their drug selling activities between 24th October 2024 and 12th May 2025.
Five gang members pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply heroin and cocaine and appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, 7th March.
Jason Dawson, 54, received a two-year and six-month sentence; Andrew Lawson, 43, was jailed for two years and three months.
Billy Williams, 26, was sentenced to three years, while Torik Ullah, 47, received a suspended two-year sentence.
County Lines operations commonly exploit children and vulnerable adults for drug supply. Violence and coercion are often employed to maintain control.
PC Natalie Shakespeare, who led the investigation, emphasised the impact of targeting such criminal enterprises, highlighting the intention to protect vulnerable individuals and disrupt drug-related activities.