A DRUG dealer who was involved in the influx of harmful Class A drugs into west Essex has been jailed for his role in a county lines operation.

An extensive investigation involving analysis of mobile phones and text messages linked Sonny Ali-Malpeli, 22, to the KASH drug line.

Essex Police said: “We found he was involved in a drug dealing operation, which saw drugs collected from Enfield and sold to users in Harlow and Waltham Abbey.

On 12 April, officers with our specialist Op Raptor team executed warrants at six addresses in Chingford and Waltham Abbey, and made a number of arrests.

Ali-Malpeli was arrested and found with a drug line phone.

Officers seized a number of items from the addresses, including drugs and weapons.

A machete was recovered from the bedroom of Ali-Malpeli. He made a significant comment once in police custody, disclosing he always carried a large knife for protection whenever he leaves his home.

“As part of our enquiries, an address in Waltham Abbey was identified as being the home of a Class A drug user.

We found the KASH drug line had used this address as a base to supply drugs – a practice commonly known as ‘cuckooing’.

Ali-Malpeli, of Cornwall Place, London, admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A substance and appeared for sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 20 September.

“He was sentenced to 31 months’ imprisonment”.

The hearing was told the offender became involved through a drug debt, but the judge said he had “no doubt” he was also motived by financial gain.

DC Emily Larkin, of the Operation Raptor Harlow team, said:

“The supply of drugs into the county causes significant harm to the communities we strive to protect.
“Through the proactive work of officers, we’ve taken another dealer off of the streets.

“We will continue to disrupt county lines into Essex by targeting all criminals along the supply chain, even if they’re based outside of Essex.
“And while enforcement plays an important role, we also want to support those wishing to seek help.
“Although it may not feel like it, it’s never too late to get out of a dangerous lifestyle.

“These warrants were executed following reports of an influx of drug supply in parts of west Essex.
“When we receive intelligence concerning such activity, we take those reports extremely seriously and residents can feel safe in the knowledge we will do something about it.
“Drug supply often brings with it exploitation, the grooming of vulnerable people and violence.

“Protecting those at risk of being used by gangs is central to our work and these seizures have seen the removal of a number of drugs and dangerous weapons from our streets.”

Co-accused Lisa Gilbey, 46, of Acorn Close, London, has admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of a Class A substance and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Two other defendants arrested as part of this investigation remain on bail and are due to face a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 22 January.