Drug Dealing County Lines Duo Caught

A County Lines drug-dealing couple were caught after the male half of the duo was seen trying to dodge uniformed police at Dartford railway station.

The railway network was utilised by Roberto Rossi, 37, and Joanne Branscombe, 44, to transport cocaine; ketamine; amphetamine and cannabis.

The British Transport Police's (BTP) County Lines taskforce stopped Rossi on February 24 and seized cocaine; £1,000 cash and an iPhone used for drug dealing.

When an address he shared with Branscombe was searched further Class A and B drugs were found.

At Inner London Crown Court Rossi, of Hollingbourne Avenue, Bexleyheath received sixteen months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession, with intent to supply, ketamine and cannabis; possession of cocaine and possession of amphetamine.

Branscombe, of Samson Close, Dartford received twenty-two months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

She pleaded guilty to two counts of possession, with intent to supply, ketamine and cannabis; possession of cocaine and possession of amphetamine.

When Rossi was approached and asked about his behaviour he admitted being in possession of cocaine. 

The search revealed Rossi was also carrying an iPhone which he denied was his with incoming messages asking for drugs, as well as more than £1,000 in cash.

Investigating officer DC Rob Chaplin said: “Anyone who uses the rail network to transport illicit drugs or engage in criminality of any kind, would do well to remember that we have eyes everywhere.

“Our expert officers are specialists in detecting all manner of suspicious activity.

“Blundering Rossi fell foul of this and led us straight to his home where it became clear he and his girlfriend were engaged in a drug dealing operation.

“Thanks to our County Lines taskforce these dangerous drugs are now off the rail network and off the streets. Our work to stop the trade in drugs via the railway is 24/7 and will never cease.”