Operation Viking – Dorking man jailed for Class A drug offences

A Dorking man is behind bars for 28 months after pleading guilty to the supply of Class A drugs at Guildford Crown Court on Monday (15 April).

Robert Lawson, 51, of Stubs Hill, Dorking, was arrested after officers carried out a warrant at his home address, which was believed to be involved in supply of drugs in East Surrey, on 12 October 2018.

The warrant was carried out by Surrey Police’s Op Viking team, which has been in operation since late 2016 to disrupt cross county border drug dealing and associated violence across the county.

On gaining entry to the property, officers detained the occupant at the address. A search was conducted under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, which revealed large quantities of cash, various mobile phones and wraps of crack cocaine and heroin. Lawson was arrested and later charged with being concerned in the offer to supply Class A drugs.

Investigating officer, PC Munday from Operation Viking, said: “Operation Viking has been set up to tackle drug dealers travelling into East Surrey, which is more commonly known as ‘County Line’ dealing. Drugs are a blight on our local communities and we are doing everything we can to disrupt the supply of drugs on our streets.

“Information from members of the public can be really valuable in tackling drug dealing in our county. If you suspect someone is dealing drugs, or involved in the supply of drugs, we want to hear from you.”

If you are concerned about drug use or drug dealing in your area, contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

What are the signs of potential drug dealing?

- Lots of visitors, who don’t stay very long, arriving at all times of the day and night

- People waiting in cars outside particular properties exchanging small packets or cash

- Lots of visitors bringing items such as T.V's or bikes but leaving empty handed

- Lone/vulnerable neighbours suddenly having groups of young men living at their address.

What we want to know:

- Time, date and place

- Vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour

- Descriptions of people and details of what they were doing

- Direction they travelling to and from

- How many times you have seen them – is it always at the same time of day?

Don’t put yourself at risk while gathering this information. Please always pass the information to the police and do not confront or approach suspected drug dealers.