Four drug dealers have faced justice after being swiftly tracked down and arrested following the death of a man in Chelmsford who had consumed contaminated heroin.
Fatal Overdose Sparks Investigation
On July 2, 2023, police launched an investigation after a man was found dead in Chelmsford. Tests later confirmed he had consumed heroin laced with a synthetic adulterant of higher potency than heroin.
Detectives seized a heroin wrap from the scene, which led them to the source—a county lines drug network known as the ‘Baby’ line.
Tracing the Drug Supply Line
The Operation Raptor and Orochi teams, under the Serious Violence Unit, identified Phil Nwosu, 23, as the controller of the ‘Baby’ line, which had been active in Chelmsford since May 2023.
The gang supplied crack cocaine and heroin, often using children as drug runners—a common county lines tactic.
Arrests Within Days
Just two days after the man’s death, on July 4, 2023, police stopped a vehicle in Chelmsford linked to the drug network. Inside, they found Malcolm McKinnon, 70, and a 15-year-old boy.
The teenager was still in his school uniform and was carrying multiple wraps of Class A drugs. Investigators later uncovered messages between McKinnon and Nwosu, discussing transporting the boy from London to distribute drugs in Chelmsford.
The investigation confirmed that the 15-year-old was being exploited as a drug runner by the gang.
Justice Served
The four individuals involved in the supply chain have now been brought to justice, highlighting the dangers of county lines drug operations and the devastating impact they have on communities.
