Wolverhampton county lines drug dealer used teenage girls to deal in city 50 miles away

A county lines drug dealer from the Black Country used vulnerable teenage girls to deal for him in a city more than 50 miles away. Zhero Samuels, from Wolverhampton, became a suspect when Gloucestershire Constabulary began investigating a drugs line operating in Cheltenham.

The 26-year-old of Newhampton Road West in Newbridge aroused suspicion after his car was seen travelling back and forth from Birmingham to the Regency town in 2023. Samuels was arrested on Wednesday, August 23.

His vehicle was searched and police officers found two mobile phones, one of which was found to be used for running the drugs line in Cheltenham. The phones were seized and it was found that drugs had been transported from Birmingham to Cheltenham on multiple occasions.

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Samuels was using several phone numbers to send bulk text messages offering heroin and crack cocaine for sale. Police found Samuels had recruited three teenage girls to deal the drugs in Cheltenham.

The teenagers were arrested and found with £2,140 worth of drugs, £2,855 of cash and drugs phones. The Gloucestershire force said: “No action was taken against the teenagers as they were believed to have been exploited by Samuels.”

Samuels was later charged and pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin. He was jailed for four years and six months in prison after appearing at Gloucester Crown Court last Friday (1 November). He was also ordered to forfeit £2,855 and pay a surcharge of £228.

Investigating officer, PC Damian Pearson, said: “Zhero Samuels exploited other individuals into dealing drugs for him and unknown people and now that he has been jailed it stops others from being targeted by him.

“His involvement led to him being jailed and this case goes to show just how thorough our enquiries are and how determined we are in the fight against those who think they can supply and deal drugs within Gloucestershire."

A spokesperson for the force added: “Anyone who suspects drug dealing or suspicious activity is taking place in their community can report it to either Crimestoppers anonymously or police. You can report this to police online by using this form. You can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.”