A drug dealer who operated a county lines drug network supplying heroin and cocaine in the Oldbury area has been jailed.

Markel Harris of Walton Road, Oldbury ran the Sharpie drugs line which operated in the West Midlands and other areas of the country.

County Lines Task Force officers investigating the drugs line found that bulk phone messages were sent out showing availability and prices of drugs to users. Following CCTV enquiries, we identified Harris purchasing top up vouchers for a phone involved in the drugs line.

In February, a warrant was executed at his home and a handset used by the drugs line and a host of class A drugs was seized.

The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing criminal property at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to five years and three months at Wolverhampton Crown Court. DC Ady Turton, from Force CID said:

"We are working harder than ever to crack down on County Lines, which bring misery to communities in the form of drug dealing, exploitation and violence. 

"Harris ran a highly active drugs line that not only operates in Oldbury but other areas. We are pleased he has been taken off our streets and is now serving time behind bars."

If you’re worried that a young person is at risk from county lines, you can visit a dedicated web page. You can also get in touch via Live Chat or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.