Drug dealer who exploited vulnerable people to run London to Bedford drugs line is jailed

A drug dealer who exploited vulnerable people, forcing them to sell drugs on his behalf, has been jailed for more than three years.

Memphis Phillips, 20, of no fixed abode, ran a drugs line from London into Bedford.

He recruited a network of vulnerable people and used them to take the drugs from London into Bedford on his behalf.

He was arrested in July 2023 when officers from the Bedfordshire Police specialist gangs and guns unit, Boson, recognised him while out on proactive patrol.

He was charged with being concerned in the supply of both crack cocaine and heroin and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (17 October) to three years and nine months in prison.

Detective Constable Nema Behzadi, from the Boson team, said: “Phillips ruthlessly took advantage of vulnerable people, taking over their properties and using them as a base for his drugs line, in a process known as cuckooing. He would exploit other vulnerable people into carrying out drugs deals for him.

“While I’m pleased that Phillips is now behind bars where he can cause no further harm, we know that there are still many others like him out there causing misery to the lives of some of the most vulnerable in society through their county lines networks.

“Our communities are our eyes and ears. If you notice that a house might be being used for drugs supply, please do let us know. Signs to look out for include: frequent visitors at unsocial hours, unusual smells coming from a property, suspicious vehicles outside an address, and any changes to a vulnerable neighbour’s routine.”

Anyone with information about drugs crime in their area should contact police on 101 or visit the website.

To find out more about county drugs lines, including cuckooing and the signs of exploitation, please visit: County lines | Bedfordshire Police