County Lines Dealer Gets Seven Years for Exploiting Vulnerable Child
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. Alongside his prison sentence, he faces a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act and a tough ten-year Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO).
Strict Conditions Leave Dealer Cut Off
- Restricted mobile phone access
- Ban on arranging travel or accommodation for anyone under 18, except immediate family
- Prohibited from entering the Avon and Somerset policing area
El-Haddad pleaded guilty on the very first day of his trial, 1 September, admitting to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He also admitted to arranging or facilitating travel for another person fostering exploitation.
Operation Orochi Cracks Down on County Lines
The investigation was a joint effort between the Met Police’s Operation Orochi – a specialist task force tackling high-harm county lines offenders – and Avon and Somerset’s Operation Remedy.
“El-Haddad has exploited this young and vulnerable boy to facilitate his drug supply,” said Detective Constable Ben Baker from Operation Orochi. “This sentence shows we will pursue anyone exploiting children for drug dealing, no matter if the victim helps police or not. We want to send a clear message: using kids as drug runners won’t protect offenders from justice.”
“Offenders like him rely on scared, vulnerable youngsters hoping that fear will keep them from speaking out.”
Warning to Gangs Using Children
This harsh penalty aims to warn gangs against exploiting children as drug couriers. Police emphasise they won’t hesitate to prosecute offenders exploiting underage victims, even when those victims are reluctant to cooperate.
