A BRADFORD County Lines drug dealer has been jailed for more than five years after being caught trafficking drugs into a North Yorkshire Town.

Prolific drug dealer Lee Bavin, 27, of Manchester Road, Bradford, was jailed this morning at York Crown Court following an investigation by North Yorkshire Police’s drugs team Operation Expedite.

Bavin was part of a wider network of dealers and drug runners targeting Harrogate and in September 2018 was a passenger in a white Mercedes-Benz stopped by police travelling towards the spa town.

Officers searched the vehicle and Bavin and found 40 wraps of heroin and 140 wraps of crack cocaine stuffed in his underpants, and also seized 82 methandienone tablets – the anabolic steroid Dianabol – and a SIM card from his bag and three mobile phones from the car.

He was arrested and an investigation launched. Bavin’s mobile showed he was linked to a County Lines operation between Bradford and Harrogate offering drugs for sale through mass text messaging.

During the investigation, Bavin came to the police’s attention several times and was arrested again in January 202 after a suspected drug deal was seen by plain clothed officers in Harrogate, who followed the suspects to a block of flats where Bavin was found hiding and in possession of more than £800 cash, 19 wraps of heroin and a phone.

He was arrested and remanded in custody at this point, due to the prolific nature of his offending and to protect the public, and he was subsequently charged with two counts of possession of heroin with intent to supply, one of possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply, and one of possession a Class C drug – the steroids – with intent to supply.

In November 2020, Bavin appeared in court and pleaded guilty to all offences. Today, he was jailed for five years, four months.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Tom Barker of Operation Expedite Team, said: “Lee Bavin is a prolific offender who showed no regard whatsoever to police action.

“I am hopeful that while he is in prison he is able to reflect on the crimes he has committed and receives help to rectify his criminal behaviour.

“Drug dealing causes misery in our communities we hope local people are reassured that we are committed to disrupting it and taking those responsible off the streets.

“We urge anyone with information to continue to report information about drug dealing in their area. It’s vital in helping us piece together the bigger picture.

“No matter how insignificant you think the information is, please call us. And if you don’t want to speak to us, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

Anyone who has concerns over County Lines drug dealing or cuckooing – when drug dealers use a vulnerable person’s property as a base for their operations and to store drugs – is asked to call police on 101 or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.