A DRUG supplier who shipped narcotics into Salisbury has been jailed as part of a County Lines operation.

Jordan Jarron Essien, 20, of Longton Avenue, Lewisham, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court yesterday, it was heard that on March 27, officers located two males from Lewisham at an address of a vulnerable drug user in Salisbury. Essien had 'employed' the pair to use the address as a base for them to deal class A drugs in the city.

Salisbury Journal: Jordan EssienJordan Essien

One of the males was a 17-year-old boy, Wiltshire Police confirmed.

Det Con Melissa Pope said: “Through our enquiries we identified that Essien had been controlling the drug line and had been ‘running’ the teenager from Lewisham. Essien was arrested on May 14 in Lewisham.

“This is common with county lines drug dealing – young and vulnerable people are often exploited by people like Essien who promise them the world and then exploit them by getting them to sell class A drugs on their behalf. The reality is very different to the life they are promised.

“By arresting Essien and getting him to court, we have been able to disrupt a drugs line and prevent illegal drugs reaching vulnerable people in Salisbury. I am pleased that he has been given a four-and-a-half year prison sentence as a result of his actions."

She added: “We will continue to enforce, protect and prevent when it comes to county lines. Our work with partner agencies, local authorities, schools and colleges to ensure everyone is playing their part in tackling county lines continues and it is important that young people are aware of the dangers of getting involved in drugs gangs.”

If you suspect drug activity in your area, call 101, or 999 if the crime is in progress.