A COUNTY lines drug dealer from Kidderminster who kept an illegal gun at an address he was selling crack and heroin from has been jailed for eight years.
Zach Pearson, 19, formerly of Washington Street, was found guilty of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug – crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply a class A drug – heroin, possession of an illegal firearm and possession of prohibited ammunition.
He was jailed at Worcester Crown Court today (Thursday).
Pearson was involved in the EMZ county line, later known as the MJ line, that was advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin. A county line is the name of the telephone number, or ‘deal line’, used to run an organised drug-dealing network.
He was first arrested in the early hours of September 12 last year, at an address in Cranham Drive, Warndon, Worcester, after reports he was suspected to be supplying class A drugs from the property.
On September 13, 2024, a police search advisor (PolSA) led search was carried out at the same address.
During a search of the kitchen, a handgun was located, wrapped in a plastic bag. This was confirmed to be a viable firearm with a magazine containing live ammunition and was forensically linked to Pearson and he was later charged with the illegal weapons offences.
Around a week later, on Thursday September 19, a safeguarding check was carried out at an address on Crickley Drive, Worcester relating to a local class A drug user.
As police conducted the check, a balaclava-wearing Pearson attempted to escape through a living room window but was detained by officers a short distance away following a foot chase.
Cash found in Pearson’s pocket
Police seized £1,470 cash from his trouser pocket and drugs paraphernalia including a burner phone which contained text messages sent out by him offering crack cocaine and heroin for sale.
As a result of intelligence gained, officers executed a drugs warrant an address on Brookthorpe Close, Worcester on October 3 last year.
Pearson was found in the toilet, with the light off, potentially attempting to dispose of drugs down the toilet.
He was caught wearing a black bag over his shoulder that contained crack cocaine and heroin which had an estimated street value of around £6,800.
Pearson was later charged with the two drugs offences and two firearms offences. He was further charged with the acquisition or use of criminal property during the investigation. For that he was sentenced to a total of 12 months to run concurrently.
‘Drug-dealer and firearm off the streets’
Investigating officer DC Paul Modley, of South Worcestershire Proactive CID, said: “We are pleased to get this lengthy custodial sentence today for Pearson who was operating a county line drug-dealing network.
“His arrest and conviction not only mean the line is terminated, but also a viable firearm has been taken off the streets further protecting the public from potential danger.
“Criminals like Pearson are rightly pursued and brought to justice by West Mercia Police as the illegal drugs they sell reap misery and harm on the communities we are here to protect and serve.
“We will not cease in our efforts to hunt his kind down, bring them before the courts and disrupt and close their county lines.”
West Mercia Police have urged people to report any signs of criminal activity in their area either via the website – westmercia.police.uk or by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
