A DRUG kingpin has been jailed after police brought down a heroin and cocaine operation in Southend and Westcliff.

Lenny Draper was head of a “county lines” operation which saw Class A drugs dealt in bulk in the Southend borough.

He was caught after being traced from his lieutenant who was found with hundreds of pounds worth of drugs and cash.

Draper, 27, was head of the operation, while Jay Collins, 19, would deal the drugs for him, with James Hammond, 52, as a runner.

All three men were sentenced at Southend Crown Court.

Prosecuting, Oliver Kirk said Collins said: “Police spoke to Mr Collins on January 24, who were conducting another investigation and his behaviour made them search him.

“They found £805 in cash and 32 wraps of heroin worth between £600 and £800, he was also found in possession of a phone.

“He was interviewed and released under investigation. On February 28, a Ford Mondeo with Mr Hammond and Collins was stopped and searched. Mr Collins had £785 in cash and a tin containing two wraps of Class A drugs and a phone. The phone was examined.

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“Lenny Draper was sending messages to Mr Collins indicating he had bagged up and prepared drugs for distribution and Mr Collins had distributed them.

A warrant was executed at Draper’s home address. They found him there and drugs.”

Draper, of Blackwater Close, Burnham, Collins, of Moor Park Gardens, Leigh, and Hammond, of Greensward Lane, Hockley, admitted being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Mitigating, Matthew Hardyman said Draper had a “difficult upbringing”. The two others said they were remorseful.

Judge Andrew Hirst said: “County lines drugs is a serious blight.

“They involve the exploiting drug users with the misery it brings to them and offending like burglary and dishonesty.

“It blights neighbourhoods because people find there neighbourhood being used for drug dealing. It’s a great tragedy that all three of you are here before the court because all three of you in your separate ways shouldn’t be.”

Draper was jailed for four years, while Collins received two years, suspended for two years, with 200 hours unpaid work and 35 days rehabilitation. Hammond received 18 months, suspended, with 40 days rehabilitation.