A county lines drug dealer operating in Barrow under the name ‘Rico’ has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Zaki Roberts, 25, of Rawlinson Street, Barrow was jailed today (8 May) at Preston Crown Court for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

The court heard how on 25 March 2024, patrol officers in Barrow stopped Roberts for a drugs search.

While officers endeavoured to detain Roberts, he threw a bag and a mobile phone to the floor while attempting to flee from officers. The contents of the bag and the phone were seized and the bag was later found to contain wraps of heroin and crack cocaine.

Roberts was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A search as later conducted at an address of Roberts’, which uncovered digital scales and other drugs paraphernalia consistent with drug supply activity.

On the phone seized during the arrest, investigators found phone numbers known to be used to facilitate the supply of heroin and crack cocaine to drug users in Barrow.

Roberts pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing.

Detective Sergeant James Aiston said: “Roberts played an important part in dealing Class A drugs into the Barrow area.

“However, the result is a significant prison sentence for Roberts which should send out a clear message to anyone else considering involving themselves in similar criminality.

“County lines drug dealing is a blight on the county and significantly contributes to immense suffering to some of the most vulnerable people in society. However, Cumbria Constabulary is committed to rooting it out, as evidenced by this most recent court result.”