Four people have been sentenced for drugs supply offences in Havant and Waterlooville as part of a police operation tackling county lines drug dealing networks.

On Friday (21 January), Aubin Hutchinson, 40, of Rigby Close, Croydon, Calvin Hutchinson, 36, of Rigby Close, Croydon, Shelesha Collins, 26, of Scarbrook Road, Croydon, and Gavin Griffiths, 43, of Derwent Road, Greater London, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court.

They were all previously found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, with Aubin and Calvin Hutchinson also being convicted of possession of criminal property.

Aubin was sentenced to 13-and-a-half years in prison, Calvin was jailed for 12-and-a-half years and Gavin was handed a 4-and-a-half year prison sentence.

Shelesha was given a two year suspended prison sentence.

This investigation was part of Operation Monument, Hampshire Constabulary’s response to county lines networks dealing drugs in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and was undertaken jointly with the Metropolitan Police Service as part of Operation Orochi, their county lines response.

Police enquiries identified that the four ran a drugs network operating between Croydon and Havant and Waterlooville known as ‘God’, which has been active since November 2018.

The court heard that on 12 May 2020, warrants were executed at the home addresses of Griffiths, Collins and the Hutchinsons, and a barber shop owned by the brothers in Beluah Road, Croydon, and all four were arrested.

At the Hutchinson’s address, officers seized a mobile phone used to sell drugs, £17,000 in cash, a Green Lamborghini Spyder Gallardo convertible car worth approximately £100,000 and a White Mercedes A-Class used by Collins.

Acting DS Mark Brockman, who led the investigation, said: “This investigation relied on a lot of great pro-active policing by colleagues in the Havant High Harm Team and Waterlooville Response and Patrol, along with key work by the Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Constabulary’s Higher Analyst Team which led to the evidence that made this result possible. I would like to thank them for all their hard work.

“This sentencing sends out a strong message to drug dealers that if they try to set up a network in Hampshire, we will find them and they will be jailed.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Jones, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Investigating and disrupting County Lines activity remains a priority for the Met. We see a significant amount of serious violence, often involving young people, linked to county lines. Disrupting the supply of drugs through all routes continues to form an integral part of our work to tackle this violence and keep our communities safe.

“Officers are continuing to carry out intelligence led operations, even under the current public health crisis. The sentence today reflects our dedication to dismantling county lines and bringing those breaking the law to justice.

“I urge anyone with any information regarding drug dealing, exploitation or violent crime in their local area to contact us, or the independent charities Crimestoppers or Fearless anonymously. We all have a part to play in making London a safe place for everyone.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said: “The supply and distribution of drugs must stop. I am committed to doing all I can to ensure Hampshire Constabulary detect and bring to justice the most dangerous of criminals in our communities and those that cause the most harm. The convictions of these four people and the sentences handed out today send a message that targeting and disrupting drugs networks is a priority and that there will be tough penalties for those who supply drugs.

“The fight against drugs is not only about arrests and convictions, it’s about safeguarding those who are affected by violence and intimidation and preventing them from being targeted by ruthless organised criminals.”

Some common signs of drug dealing and County Lines activity to look out for include:

An increase in visitors/cars to a house or flatRegularly changing residentsWhen you see the occupant, they may appear anxious or distractedSubstance misuse or drugs paraphernalia in the vicinity of a propertyChanges in young people, for example having new unaffordable things, going missing or unexplained injuries.

If you suspect drug related activity in your area, please get in touch. All information could help us catch and convict those who deal drugs to our communities and even the smallest pieces of information can help us develop a stronger intelligence picture.

Call police on 101 or online at https://www.hampshire.police.uk/

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/