A Grimsby man has admitted his involvement in slavery and trafficking offences, and in supplying thousands of pounds worth of class A drugs across the area.
Lewis Hall, 24, pleaded guilty to thirteen offences, including being concerned in the supply of MDMA, cocaine, ketamine, heroin and amphetamine, five counts of breaching a Slavery Trafficking Risk Order, two counts of possession of a class B drug and possession of a class C drug.
Hall was released from prison in January this year with a five-year Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order.
Within three days of release, an investigation was launched after officers discovered a new drugs line related to the supply of class A drugs across North East Lincolnshire. Through data obtained by Humberside Police’s Divisional Intelligence Bureau, analysts discovered bulk outgoing text messages sent between January and March this year connected to the same organised crime group.
Hall was identified as a principal member when officers conducted CCTV enquiries revealing him topping up the number connected to the drugs line and subsequently sending bulk text messages.
In March, he was arrested at his home address where officers discovered an amount of drugs, cash, mobile phones and paperwork. He was later charged and remanded into custody. Data from Hall’s phone showed text messages advertising the sale of class A drugs which further evidenced him being active in the supply of MDMA, ketamine, cocaine and heroin.
On Wednesday, 26 June, due to overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty to all thirteen offences at Grimsby Crown Court.
Detective Inspector Tom Kelly from the Kinetic Organised Crime Group Team, leading the investigation into Halls drugs network said: “By stopping Hall’s activities we have prevented significant amounts of drugs from being sold on the streets in our force area.
“Despite being under strict court orders, Hall wasted no-time in re-establishing a criminal network with a total disregard for the lives of those who were purchasing drugs from him, evident in the steps he took to conceal his activities and manipulate those around him.
“This comprehensive investigation saw officers trawling through a vast amount of phone data, along with forensic and operational searches in order to put forward a strong prosecution case.
“Investigating and tackling organised crime remains a priority for our force and we are committed to dismantling drugs networks, protecting those at risk of exploitation, and ensuring offenders like Hall are held fully accountable.”
Lewis Hall has been remanded into custody to appear at Grimsby Crown Court on Thursday 24 July for sentencing.
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.