READING, UK — A county lines drug dealer has been sentenced to over three years in prison after police uncovered thousands of pounds worth of Class A drugs, cash, and designer items during raids in Reading and the West Midlands.
Blade Samuel, 37, of Hadcroft Road, Stourbridge, appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday, June 6, where he was sentenced to three years and nine months behind bars. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and acquiring criminal property.
The charges followed a raid on February 13, 2025, when the Reading Proactive Team executed a warrant at a property on London Road, Reading. Officers discovered wraps of heroin and cocaine worth around £1,180, along with drug paraphernalia.
A mobile phone recovered at the scene was identified as a county lines device, containing messages used to advertise and coordinate drug sales. Samuel was present at the property and was arrested.
A follow-up search at his home in Stourbridge uncovered over £3,300 in jewellery, more than £500 in cash, and several designer trainers believed to be purchased with proceeds from drug sales.
Samuel was also ordered to forfeit all drugs, mobile phones, cash, jewellery, and clothing seized during the investigation.
Detective Constable James Packman-Steele, of the Reading Proactive Team, said:
“Blade Samuel was a county lines drug dealer, and our activity has dismantled his line and brought him to justice for his offending.
Our team will continue to proactively target and prosecute offenders. If you deal drugs in the Thames Valley, you can expect to be arrested, prosecuted, and sent to prison.”
The public is urged to assist in tackling drug crime by reporting suspicious activity confidentially via 101, the police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Authorities continue their mission to dismantle drug supply networks across the region, stressing the critical role public information plays in these efforts.
