A County Lines drug dealer who used teenagers to move crack cocaine via the rail network has been sentenced to a decade in prison after a British Transport Police investigation exposed his exploitation network.
Lakan Illsley, 28, of Beresford Close, Burton-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to two counts of Modern Day Slavery and Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs. He was sentenced to seven years and six months at Stafford Crown Court today (Tuesday, 20 May).
The court also imposed a consecutive sentence of two years and six months for a separate Staffordshire Police investigation relating to Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine, bringing his total jail time to 10 years.
Teenagers Recruited for Drug Runs
The British Transport Police (BTP) County Lines Taskforce uncovered how Illsley manipulated vulnerable young people, coercing them to carry drugs between locations on the UK rail network. The exploitation is part of a growing national trend where organised crime gangs use children and teenagers to move illicit substances into regional markets.
Officers described Illsley’s actions as "ruthless," citing his disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the youths under his control.
Joint Forces Investigation
The operation involved cooperation between British Transport Police and Staffordshire Police, targeting both the supply chain and safeguarding the exploited teens. The evidence gathered demonstrated a clear conspiracy between Illsley and other gang members to traffic crack cocaine across county lines using public transport as a cover.
Judge [Name] told the court that Illsley’s "deliberate targeting of young and impressionable people to conduct his dirty work" warranted a significant custodial sentence.
Police Statement
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said:
"This sentence sends a strong message: exploiting young people to further criminal enterprises will not be tolerated. County Lines operations destroy lives — not only those addicted to the drugs but the children manipulated into becoming mules."
"Our teams continue to work tirelessly with regional forces to dismantle these networks and bring offenders like Illsley to justice."
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