Pair jailed for modern slavery offences after 'dishevelled' boy found with heroin at London Bridge station

A man and a woman have been jailed for modern slavery offences after a “dishevelled” boy was found with heroin at London Bridge station.

The British Transport Police found the vulnerable 15-year-old at the station on September 22, who claimed he had been staying with a friend.

Safeguarding procedures were immediately implemented and the child admitted to be carrying heroin.

Days later, officers raided an address and arrested Karen Seddon, 38, and Peace Bello, 21, for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and human trafficking and modern slavery offences.

Bello was found to be in possession of a county line drugs line at the time of arrest.

The pair pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, forced labour and human trafficking.

Bello was sentenced for four years eight months and Seddon was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars at Inner London Crown Court on June 21.

Both were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Detective Inspector Matt Davies from the BTP County Lines Task Force said: “We will relentlessly target those crime groups who cowardly exploit vulnerable people and children.

“Working alongside our colleagues from other forces enhances our capabilities to catch those orchestrating these County Lines.

"Our County Lines Task Force works hard to tackle drugs on the railway network and to protect children and vulnerable adults who are often exploited by gangs into selling or moving drugs.

“This result should send a powerful message to those involved in this sort of activity - we will find you; you will be arrested, and we will disrupt the distribution of drugs by County Lines dealers.”