Southend: Work by specialist team shuts down two drug lines

Officers who shut down two drug lines operating in Southend have seen the dealer at the top of the chain jailed for more than seven years.

Operation Raptor, our team dedicated to tackling county lines gangs, identified the ‘Ace’ and ‘Max’ drug lines operating between August and November 2023.

Enoch Odubanjo, 26, of Egmont Street, London, was identified as the man behind each of the drug lines.

We found he played a significant role, driving runners and drugs between London and Southend in vehicles registered or leased in his name.

The investigation identified messages advertising crack cocaine and heroin to drug users in Southend.

Odubanjo was found to have exploited vulnerable people to run drugs for him.

He enlisted Leanne Callaghan, 43, of Catford, London, who was captured on CCTV in October 2023 engaging in a drug deal in Southend.

Shortly prior to this exchange, the ‘Max’ line was found to have sent out a bulk advertising message to almost 100 people.

Odubanjo and Callaghan were later arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

They appeared at Basildon Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday 14 January.
Callaghan admitted the charges on the basis she was involved in running drugs on three occasions.

The court heard she was in the grip of Class A drug addiction, was suffering with health conditions and had been pressured into taking part in the operation.

She was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment, suspended for 21 months, with a rehabilitation activity requirement attached.

The court was told Odubanjo expected to make a significant profit by selling drugs and even had plans to rent a flat at £2,000 per month.

But the move did not materialise and he continued to live with his mother.

He was convicted on both charges after a trial and jailed for seven years and six months.

Tough stance

Temporary Detective Inspector Rob Maile, of Op Raptor South, said:

“The reality of dealing Class A drugs isn’t glamorous and it doesn’t guarantee wealth or status.
“The judge in this case commented that the rewards for Odubanjo were perhaps not as high as he had hoped.
“Far from making a profit, he will now spend a number of years behind bars.
“Dealing drugs is a dangerous and risky business which attracts a significant prison sentence.
“We take a tough stance on drug supply because of the wider harm this trade causes.
“In Essex we know the trade in these substances fuels the majority of incidents of serious violence we see.
“The important message from our teams to the community in Southend and wider Essex will always be to report any drug activity you see.
“Even if you don’t see an immediate response, your reports are helping us to build solid cases against drug dealers like Odubanjo.”

Are you worried that a friend or someone you know may be being exploited through County Lines or organised criminal activity?

Maybe they are returning home late, staying out all night or even going missing for days or weeks at a time.

Are they suddenly being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going?

Or perhaps you’ve noticed they have large amounts of money on them, or new clothing, jewellery or phones they wouldn’t be able to afford.

Through Fearless, young people can pass on information 100% anonymously to get help.

If you need help from police, call 101 or, if it's an emergency, always call 999.

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