Hull: Unlucky for some – drug dealing duo receive 13 years behind bars

Two men have been locked up for a total of 13 years for their part in county lines drug operations in Hull.

Connor Wallace (25) Drake Crescent, Merseyside and Ben Blease (32) of Richmond Park, Merseyside both appeared at Hull Crown Court on Thursday 7 July, where they admitted being concerned in supplying heroin and crack cocaine as well as possessing criminal property. Wallace was sentenced to 8 years whilst Blease was given a sentence of 5 years.

The pair were identified as key individuals dealing Class A drugs in Bransholme, Hull and arrested in March this year as part of ongoing enquiries into country line drug dealing in Hull.

In May, David Nichols (50) of Soffam Close, Hull was also sentenced  to three months in prisons for his involvement in laundering the monies made by the organised crime group

Another key member of the group, who acted as a dealer was also sentenced. Reece Norrie (20) of Robinson Drive, Hull received a 26-month in jail for his involvement with the Class A drugs operation last year.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Grantham, leading the Humberside Police investigation, said: “We take drug crime incredibly seriously and I hope that today’s sentencing serves as a warning to others looking to come to our towns and cities to deal drugs that they’re not welcome here and we won’t tolerate it.

“This was a complex investigation which wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance of our colleagues in Merseyside Police as well as our other partnering agencies. 

“I would also like to thank all the people who contact us with information about drug dealing and drug-related crime in their areas. It’s thanks to you that we can put together successful operations like this one and make it clear that if you’re looking to sell drugs, Humberside is not an easy target.

“If you have any concerns about what’s happening in your area, speak to your local officer, call into your nearest station or call our non-emergency 101 line. If you’d rather not give your name, you can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.”