Essex Police Smash County Lines Drug Ring – Final Member Locked Up
Essex’s specialist officers have dealt a crushing blow to county lines drug gangs, sentencing the last member of a major operation. Robbie Sharp, 39, copped seven years behind bars for his key role in running two drug supply lines from Wales to Southend and Chelmsford.
Mario & Luigi Code Names Uncovered in Drug Deal
Sharp’s criminal empire used Super Mario-themed code names to mask their illegal trade. Officers from the Op Raptor team discovered hundreds of bulk messages advertising Class A drugs between 2021 and 2022.
- The ‘Mario/Luigi’ line flooded Southend streets with drugs.
- The ‘Custom’ line operated in Chelmsford.
Sharp, a top player in both rings, was arrested at his Roman Road home. He initially denied involvement but flipped his plea mid-trial at Basildon Crown Court on 20 December.
Co-Conspirators Also Sentenced
Four others linked to the gangs have already been dealt with:
- Kieran Downing, 38, of Swansea, held the ‘Mario/Luigi’ line phone and travelled often between Wales and Essex — sentenced to three years.
- Ashley Clark, 34, and Shannon Richards, 27, both from Chelmsford, involved in the ‘Custom’ line — Clark jailed three years, Richards handed a 22-month suspended sentence with community orders.
- A 17-year-old boy from Southend, employed by Sharp as a runner — given a 15-month suspended sentence.
All admitted to two counts of being concerned in supplying Class A drugs during their August 2023 sentencing at Basildon Crown Court.
Police Send Stern Warning to Essex Drug Dealers
DS Rob Maile of Op Raptor warned: “This was complex work tracing two drug lines flooding north and south Essex with harmful substances.” “Our tracking of multiple phone numbers built airtight cases. Drugs are NOT welcome here. We have teams using sophisticated techniques to catch dealers unaware until we swoop. The message is clear: we are watching you.” “We rely on the public to report drug dealing — number plates, CCTV, names, any info. Even if you don’t see action immediately, we’re working behind the scenes to lock these criminals up with hefty sentences.”
