TWO drug dealers have been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after being caught with heroin and crack cocaine in Kidderminster.

Agandy Anderson and Tafferal Richards, both from Wolverhampton, were arrested in June last year by the North Worcestershire County Lines Team when officers stopped the pair’s car on Roden Avenue.

Richards tried to escape the officers but was quickly apprehended and a search of both men found them in possession of a large amount of crack cocaine and heroin.

After being charged and remanded on drug offences, Anderson, aged 25, was found guilty of two counts of possession of a controlled Class A drug, with intent to supply, and received and 8 year prison sentence at Worcester Crown Court earlier this month. He is also disqualified from driving for four years following his release from prison.

Richards, aged 26, was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months after being found guilty of two counts of possession of a controlled Class A drug with intent to supply.

Detective sergeant Alex Farmer said: “Following the arrest of both of these men, we discovered multiple phones and sim cards identifying them as drug dealers for the 'Reece Line'; a county line that distributes drugs ruining people’s lives and causing untold collateral damage.

“Tackling drugs and organised crime is a force priority and we will continue to pursue those involved in these offences and the associated harm such as criminal exploitation, cuckoo-ing and street violence in Kidderminster and across North Worcestershire.”

“Our officers work tirelessly identifying gang members such as Anderson and Richards and preventing their distribution of drugs into our community.

"But much of work and intelligence comes from our communities who are sick and tired of picking up the pieces of lives destroyed by drugs and the criminal activity that surrounds them.

“I urge anyone who is concerned that drug dealing is happening in their street or town to please contact us, or Crimestoppers and we will investigate. We are determined to keep people safe and protect them from harm and working together we can achieve this.

“I welcome the sentence handed down to these two men and let this be a message and a warning to County Lines dealers coming into our towns and villages that when you are arrested and charged, you can expect a severe prison sentence."