Camden drug dealer behind Brighton county lines jailed

Oussama Bouhamidi, 21, controlled the 'Frank' and 'Antz' lines that sold drugs from London to Brighton and Hove between December 19, 2022, and February 2022.

He was at the scene when police raided an address in Westcroft Close, Camden, in the early hours of Thursday, March 2, following an investigation.

• READ MORE: Four north London pubs on the market in upcoming auction

Several mobile phones were seized, alongside around £5,000 in cash, a significant quantity of crack cocaine and heroin and other drug paraphernalia.

Bouhamidi, who was inside, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of the Class A drugs.

An example of a text sent from the 'Antz' line to drug users (Image: Sussex Police)

Bouhamidi, of Westcroft Close, Camden, was subsequently charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession of criminal property and found guilty on all counts at Lewes Crown Court on April 11.

At the same court on Wednesday, May 3, he was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison.

Sussex Police say county lines drug dealing is typified by violence and the exploitation of children and vulnerable people who are often used by the suppliers for their own ends.

Detective Constable Rachel Piggott said: “Oussama Bouhamidi was a committed offender, controlling two separate drug lines that brought dangerous substances into Brighton and Hove.

“Together with our partners in the Metropolitan Police we were able to show a clear connection between Bouhamidi and these hugely harmful drug lines and bring him to justice.

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