A major player in a Thanet county lines drug operation, Joel Loba, has been sentenced to five years and seven months in jail at Canterbury Crown Court.
Police identified a property in Margate as the hub for the “Larry” drug line. During a raid on June 25, officers arrested Loba and seized three phones, cash, and Class A substances. Investigations confirmed that three phone numbers used to send bulk marketing messages to drug users were linked to Loba. The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to five charges, including being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession with intent to supply.
Detective Constable Holly Bayliss stated that Loba “played a pivotal role in distributing the most harmful drugs,” and they are pleased with the significant sentence.