A MAN charged with drug possession with intent to supply in Somerset and Suffolk has been jailed.

In September last year, Joshua Campos, 20, of Thornton Heath, London, was charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply in connection with offences that took place in Weston-super-Mare in May 2020.

In a separate case, Campos was further charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin in Suffolk between December 2019 and March 2020, after Suffolk Police executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at an address in Bury St Edmunds.

He was convicted of all charges yesterday (Tuesday, March 9) at Swindon Crown Court and sentenced to four years in prison.

The activity to arrest and charge Campos formed part of Operation Orochi, an operation led by the Metropolitan Police which focuses on analysing mobile phone data to disrupt the activities of organised criminal gangs.

PC Charlie Gates, investigating officer at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Our investigation stemmed from a proactive vehicle stop in May 2020, which led to a warrant being carried out at a property in Worle, where Campos was located and 104 wraps of class A drugs were recovered.

“This led to a joint investigation with the Met Police and Suffolk Police to uncover the full extent of Campos’ offending.

“Campos paid no regard to the harm and impact he was causing in our communities and his sole motivation was to profit from his illegal activities.

"We hope this sends out a strong message to people that county lines drug-dealing will not be tolerated.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Clark, who oversees the Op Orochi operation for Suffolk Police said: “This is a great example of how we work closely with other forces to tackle county lines drug crime, and a clear demonstration that we will pursue such individuals who cause harm to our communities.”

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, contact the police.

You don’t have to be certain, just concerned. Call police on 101, or alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.