Bradford, UK – Four members of a Bradford-based county lines drug gang have been jailed for over 26 years after North Yorkshire Police dismantled their operation, known as the “Teddy Line.”
The gang was involved in trafficking heroin and cocaine from Bradford to Harrogate, exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children, to distribute drugs and move cash. Their arrests were part of Operation Jackal, an intelligence-led investigation launched in 2019 targeting three major county lines networks.
Gang’s Operations and Arrests
In February 2020, a joint operation involving West Yorkshire Police, the National Crime Agency, and the Regional Organised Crime Unit led to multiple arrests in both Bradford and Harrogate.
The “Teddy Line” was controlled by an organized crime group in Bradford, which recruited local dealers in Harrogate to distribute drugs. The gang preyed on vulnerable users, many of whom had mental health issues or were from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Children were used as drug couriers, forced to transport heroin and cocaine between the two towns. During the police operation, officers arrested two 16-year-olds, later determining they were victims of exploitation. Authorities quickly put safeguarding measures in place for them.
Sentencing Details
The gang members received the following sentences:
Sanchez Heffernan, 33 (Rufus Street, Bradford) – 9 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Waqas Ali, 34 (Rufus Street, Bradford) – 8 years and 8 months for drug trafficking plus 4 years for human trafficking, served concurrently.
Mohammed Owais Ali, 26 (Basil Street, Bradford) – 7 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Ben Parcell, 42 (Bramham Drive, Harrogate) – 2 years and 3 months for two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Nicola Jayne Fletcher, 47 (Harrogate) – 18-month suspended sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Police Statement & Warnings
Detective Sergeant Sam Harding from North Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime Unit condemned the gang’s actions, stating:
“These criminals showed no regard for the children they exploited, using them as a commodity to make money and avoid detection. Drug dealing and the violence that comes with county lines remains a top priority for law enforcement.”
Authorities urge the public to report drug activity in their communities, emphasizing that even small pieces of information help disrupt organized crime networks.
Understanding County Lines & Cuckooing
County lines is a term used for organized crime networks that move drugs from urban areas to smaller towns using mobile phone lines for sales. These operations often involve violence, intimidation, and exploitation of vulnerable people.
A growing concern is cuckooing, where dealers take over the homes of vulnerable residents to store and sell drugs. Signs of cuckooing include:
✔ Increased short-term visitors
✔ Strange vehicles parked outside
✔ Unfamiliar individuals with different accents
✔ Windows covered for long periods
✔ The resident disappearing for extended times
If you suspect drug activity or cuckooing in your neighborhood, report it to the police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
