Five men sentenced after using missing children in Surrey drug network
Gang leaders behind a county lines drugs have been jailed after using children to carry and sell drugs.
A county lines drug gang that exploited missing children to run drugs across Surrey, London, and Hampshire has been dismantled, with five men now behind bars.
The investigation began in September 2023 after several missing children from Surrey were found at addresses in London believed to be involved in drug dealing.
In November that year, Mohammed Yousuf, 21, was stopped in a car in Surrey with a child who had recently been reported missing. Police found over £1,000 in cash. Yousuf was arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences.
His phone later revealed a disturbing web of messages detailing drug supply operations and plans to recruit more children. In one exchange, a gang member said: "Tell him me and u got him. I’ll turn him into a boss." Another said: "We need to get more yutes (youths)... at least we make the doe money."
Following months of investigation, dawn raids were carried out in March 2024. Ahmed Al Khudairy, 21, from Kingston, and Edward Atudorei, 19, from Sutton, were arrested and charged, along with Yousuf. All three faced charges of conspiracy to arrange the travel of another person for exploitation and being concerned in the supply of Class A and B drugs.
Ronnie Read, 24, and Ali Cayir, 23, both from Thames Ditton, were also arrested later for their involvement in the network.
Following a six-week trial at Guildford Crown Court:
Ahmed Al Khudairy was jailed for six years
Mohammed Yousuf received three years, six months and a 21-month driving ban
Edward Atudorei was sentenced to three years
Ali Cayir, who pleaded guilty, was jailed for four years, six months
Ronnie Read, also pleading guilty, received five years
Detective Constable Michael Bambrough, who led the investigation, said:
“These men thought they could keep ahead of the law by recruiting children to do the dirty work for them. By targeting the ringleaders, rather than the young victims, we believe we have completely dismantled the activities of this criminal gang."
He urged the public to report suspicious activity, saying community information is vital to keeping Surrey safe.