A 21-year-old London man, Oussama Bouhamidi, has been sentenced to five years and seven months in prison for operating two county drug lines known as “Frank” and “Antz” between Brighton and Hove. The drug lines, which were active from 19 December 2022 to 22 February, facilitated the sale of drugs from large urban areas such as London to smaller towns and cities like Brighton.

Bouhamidi, from Westcroft Close in Camden, was arrested on 2 March after a police investigation into the “Frank” and “Antz” drug lines led to the execution of a warrant at his residence. During the raid, authorities seized several mobile phones, approximately £5,000 in cash, a significant quantity of crack cocaine and heroin, and other drug paraphernalia.

The arrest culminated in charges of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property. Bouhamidi was found guilty on all counts at Lewes Crown Court on 11 April.

County lines dealing, which involves mobile phone numbers connecting dealers and customers, is notorious for its association with violence and the exploitation of children and vulnerable people. These individuals are often used by suppliers for their personal gain.

Detective Constable Rachel Piggott commented on the case, stating, “Oussama Bouhamidi was a committed offender, controlling two separate drug lines that brought dangerous substances into Brighton and Hove.” She also noted that the collaboration between local authorities and the Metropolitan Police led to the exposure of Bouhamidi’s connection to the harmful drug lines and his eventual imprisonment.

Piggott added, “His imprisonment will make our communities safer, but our commitment to disrupting the illegal drug trade, catching perpetrators, and safeguarding vulnerable people remains unwavering.”