Grimsby-area drug dealer is jailed for role in county lines operation

A "key member" of a county lines operation who was involved in supplying Class A drugs in the Grimsby area has been jailed.

Joel Tasker, 31, admitted offences of possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Appearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Tuesday (February 4), he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for offences committed in Lincolnshire, and seven years and nine months to run concurrently for offences committed in North East Lincolnshire.

After being charged with drugs-related offences by Lincolnshire Police, Tasker was identified by detectives as a key member of a county lines drugs gangs supplying class A drugs in North East Lincolnshire. While on bail for the Lincolnshire investigation, he carried on supplying drugs in the Grimsby area.

READ MORE: Man jailed for six years for involvement in major drugs network in Grimsby

READ MORE: Workman slapped woman's bottom and tried to kiss her while installing TV in her home

Tasker was stopped by plain clothes officers in Grimsby town centre on September 4, 2024, and was found carrying a mobile phone heavily linked to the supply of drugs and was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He was released under investigation while enquires continued into the phone analysis and gathering further evidence.

Humberside Police later received information that a new phone was being used to supply the county line and, as part of lines of enquiry, officers identified Tasker topping up a 'burner phone'. Each time he topped up the phone he had in his possession, the county line telephone number would then send an array of messages related to planned drug deals.

Tasker was arrested again on November 13 and officers found nearly £500 in cash and a small package containing 64 wraps including heroin and cocaine valued at £535 based on sales advertised in the messages.

He was charged with supplying cocaine and heroin and appeared before Grimsby Magistrates' Court on November 15 when he was remanded into custody.

Humberside Police Detective Inspector Tom Kelly from the Kinetic Organised Crime Team on the South Bank said: “I hope today’s sentencing serves as a stark warning to those who think it’s okay to possess and supply drugs in our communities.

“From the established work with our partners, neighbourhood policing teams and the Kinetic Organised Crime Group Team, supported by information from members of the public, we were able to gather the information to show where Tasker was undertaking his criminal activities.

“We work relentlessly to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups operating within our area, and I would like to thank our colleagues and partnering agencies for their continued support not only throughout the entirety of this investigation, but all the work they do to make a real difference and help take drugs off our streets.

“We investigate all information that we receive, and we would like to reassure members of the public that whilst you may not see immediate action, the information you provide helps us build the bigger picture of evidence to have the best possible chance of a sentence like we’ve seen here.

“Please keep talking to us if you have any information about drug related crime, or other crimes, in your area. You can report via our non-emergency number 101, or always call 999 in an emergency.

“If you wish to report anonymously, you can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”