County lines drug dealer jailed for running Southampton crack cocaine supply line
A man who operated a crack cocaine supply line into Southampton has been jailed following a joint investigation by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police.
Daniel Adeyemi, 23, of Holmes Close, Netley, was sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment at Southampton Crown Court today (15 December), for his role in a county lines operation known as “GUS”.
Adeyemi was identified by the Metropolitan Police’s Operation Orochi team as the holder of the GUS phone line, which investigators said was active between October 2024 and January 2025.
On 11 February 2025, officers executed warrants at addresses in London and Netley. Adeyemi was found in a room at an address on Bancroft Gardens in Harrow, where police recovered nine wraps of crack cocaine and cannabis.
During the search, officers also discovered a “bulk marketing message”, a type of broadcast commonly used in county lines drug dealing to advertise the availability of crack cocaine and other Class A drugs to users. Two phone numbers used to send the messages were traced back to Adeyemi’s address in Netley.
Adeyemi pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, admitting that the phones linked to the GUS line were registered to him. However, he claimed he was not responsible for sending the marketing messages and said he was only holding the phones on behalf of others. He also acknowledged knowing the phones were being used to sell drugs, but maintained that he believed this was limited to nitrous oxide rather than Class A substances.
He further pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession of crack cocaine, but argued that the drugs found at the Harrow address were for personal use. Adeyemi told the court that scales discovered by officers were used to check he was receiving the correct quantity of drugs for his own consumption.
County lines is the term used to describe drug gangs from major cities setting up networks in towns and regional areas, often exploiting vulnerable adults and children to transport, store and sell drugs. The “line” refers to the mobile phone number used to coordinate the activity.
Police Staff Investigator Adam Cresswell, who led the investigation, said the case demonstrated a firm commitment to tackling such criminal networks.
He said:
“We remain committed to dismantling county lines operations and protecting our communities from the harm caused by Class A drugs.
“This successful joint operation between Hampshire Constabulary and the Met truly demonstrates our shared determination to disrupt and dismantle county lines running across the UK and target those who seek to profit from the exploitation of others.
“These networks destroy lives. They exploit vulnerable adults and children, fuel violence, and bring fear and misery not only to those caught up in the supply chain, but to the wider community where these operations take place.
“Today’s sentence shows that if you choose to run drugs into Southampton, you will be identified, you will be pursued, and you will be brought before the courts to face justice.
“Much of our work happens out of sight. Every report from the public – no matter how small – helps us build the wider intelligence picture that allows us to target offenders like Daniel Adeyemi and shut down the lines causing harm in our neighbourhoods.”
Police are urging anyone with concerns about drug-related activity in their area to contact them on 101 or report information online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
