Man sentenced for Class A drugs offences in Southampton

A man has been sentenced for Class A drugs offences in Southampton.

Vishaal Hussain, 26, of Broadlands Road, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (19 December) having pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property and being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine between 31 January and 27 September this year.

He was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

The investigation was carried out by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police as part of the forces’ joint response to country lines drug dealing networks.

Hussain was identified as holding a drugs line, dealing crack cocaine and heroin in Southampton from February to September 2022.

On 5 October, as part of County Lines Intensification Week - a national week of action to disrupt county lines networks - officers carried out a warrant at Hussain’s address in Broadlands Road.

He was arrested and a mobile phone, scales and £4,310 in cash was seized.

On this phone, officers found messages advertising drugs within the city.

PSI Jordan Clayton led the investigation. She said: “Hussain was a leading figure among drug dealers in the city and the streets of Southampton are that much safer now he is behind bars.

“I hope this sentence shows our dedication to putting drug dealers before the courts to face justice; county lines networks bring with them violence, exploitation and organised crime which is why stopping them is one of our top priorities.

“Your information about drug dealing where you live helps us deliver results like this, so please continue to report it to us.”

Get in touch via 101, our website or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.