County Lines Kingpin Gets 7 Years for Using Kids to Peddle Drugs
Emad El-Haddad, 23, from Gloucester Terrace, Westminster, was slammed with a hefty seven years and two months behind bars at Taunton Crown Court on Thursday, 2 September. He’s also hit with a Proceeds of Crime confiscation order and a decade-long Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO).
Strict Orders Clamp Down on El-Haddad’s Moves
The STPO comes with tough restrictions. El-Haddad won’t be allowed to use a mobile phone freely or arrange travel or lodging for anyone under 18—unless they’re immediate family. On top of that, he’s banned from stepping foot in the Avon and Somerset police area.
Guilty Plea Exposes Child Exploitation in County Lines Supply
He pleaded guilty on 1 September to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, plus arranging or facilitating the travel of another person for exploitation. The probe was a joint effort from the Met’s Operation Orochi, dedicated to tackling county lines crime, and Avon and Somerset’s Operation Remedy.
Detective Warns Gangs Using Kids Won’t Get Away
“El-Haddad exploited a vulnerable young boy to further his drug business,” said Detective Constable Ben Baker of Operation Orochi.
“This sentence sends a clear message: exploiting children offers no shield from justice, even if victims won’t or can’t help police. We want future gangs to think twice before using kids as drug runners.”
