Three Modern Day Slavery charges secured by BTP County Lines taskforce

Three men from across the country have appeared at court charged with Modern Day Slavery and a number of other offences, following a BTP County Lines taskforce investigation.

 Intelligence led officers to deploy to Northampton, Kettering and Corby stations in January in a bid to dismantle and disrupt County Lines gangs who use the rail network to transport drugs and exploit vulnerable people.

 The comprehensive operation involving a number of partners resulted in a vulnerable 16-year-old missing person being identified as a victim of exploitation and safeguarded by officers.

Following further investigation three men were charged in connection.

Andrew Wallance, 21, of Bridge Street, Rugby is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine; being concerned in the supply of heroin; two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class A drug, and requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Isaiah Taitt, 23, of Chatsworth Road, London is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine; being concerned in the supply of heroin, and requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Dequarme Lennox, 22, of Burford, Telford is charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine;  being concerned in the supply of heroin; the acquisition / use / possession of criminal property, and requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

They will next appear at Warwick Crown Court on Monday 14 April.