From BNN Correspondents, a global news desk, on 28 February 2024:

In June 2019, Dundee became the focal point of a high-stakes law enforcement operation that culminated in the sentencing of two key figures involved in a dangerous county lines drug trafficking network. Joshua Olumuyiwa, 32, and Brandon Collins, 24, were convicted for their roles in the supply of cocaine, marking a significant victory for community safety efforts.

The incident that led to their capture was nothing short of cinematic, with Olumuyiwa behind the wheel of a Ford EcoSport fitted with fraudulent plates, leading police on a high-speed chase that threatened the safety of pedestrians and other road users. The pursuit ended with the discovery of not just the vehicle’s illicit cargo of drugs, but also cash and communication devices, laying bare the operations of the county lines drug trafficking that plagues urban areas. The evasion tactics employed by Olumuyiwa, combined with his prior conviction for a violent offense, resulted in a four-year prison sentence and an 11-year ban from driving, while Collins received a 14-month sentence.

The term ‘county lines’ refers to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and the use of mobile phone lines by criminal networks to extend their drug dealing business into new territories. This case in Dundee is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by cities across the UK, struggling to combat the spread of these networks within their communities. The operation not only endangered lives but also highlighted the sophisticated methods employed by criminals to evade capture and continue their illicit activities.

The successful prosecution of Olumuyiwa and Collins underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle county lines operations and safeguard communities. However, the incident also serves as a call to action for increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, community leaders, and authorities. The fight against drug trafficking networks requires a unified front, leveraging both local insights and national resources to address the root causes and disrupt the supply chains fuelling these criminal activities.

The sentencing of these individuals not only brings closure to a dangerous episode but also opens a broader discussion on the efficacy of current strategies to combat drug trafficking and the necessary measures to prevent future incidents. As urban areas continue to grapple with the presence of county lines, the collective resolve of communities and law enforcement will be paramount in turning the tide against this pervasive threat to public safety.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/uk/dundee-drug-chase-ends-in-sentencing-impact-of-county-lines-on-urban-safety

Astonishingly, only the two local Dundee newspapers have covered this story. BBC Scotland, STV, the Herald and the Scotsman never, to my knowledge, cover the damage being done to numerous Scottish towns by these brutal gangs based in English cities.

Imagine the media coverage if Scottish gangs were terrorising the folk of Reading or Guilford?

Are the broad shoulders of the Union jacket not so useful in propaganda if there’s knife and a gun in the pockets?

As much as ferries and NHS issues, TuS has been covering this topic extensively. For more see: https://talkingupscotlandtwo.com/?s=county+lines