Police have busted a major drugs network who sinisterly used the name of a popular Disney film.

The Nemo network, which supplied crack cocaine and heroin across Basingstoke, has been brought to justice after a huge police operation into county lines.

As previously reported in The Gazette, detectives were closing in on the masterminds as part of their investigation into the murder of London teenager Taylor Williams.

At a separate court hearing last week, nine people from four drug networks that had formed a cartel admitted ocunty lines conspiracy in Basingstoke and were sentenced to a total of 46 years in prison.

The eight men and one woman were part of the Nemo, Monster, Bestie and Smallz lines that operated between Decemeber 2018 and October 2019.

Prosecutor Mark Ruffell told Portsmouth Crown Court all the networks shared the same drugs suppliers as well as key players, safe houses and local runners.

Also in this week's paper, out tomorrow, Wednesday, December 23:

  • Almost three million pounds in damages was paid out following serious mistakes in care at the trust that runs Basingstoke hospital.
  • Meet the aptly named Dr Christmas, who will be on duty at Basingstoke hospital over the festive period.
  • Shoppers have descended on Festival Place in Basingstoke for last-minute Christmas shopping.
  • Councillors have been urged not to end 30 years of ice in Basingstoke as time runs out to find a solution to the Planet Ice problem.
  • GP services across Basingstoke will be examined after one councillor said that one of the town's surgeries had standards similar to third world countries.
  • Three perfect Boxing Day walks to enjoy around North Hampshire in a Christmas like no other.
  • Plus: All the latest from Basingstoke Magistrates' Court, including a man accused of assaulting a police officer whilst drunk.
  • Two pages of your letters to the editor.
  • The launch of our 'You Are Not Alone' campaign.
  • Eight pages of pictures from Nativity performances across the borough.
  • The best of this year's Christmas TV.
  • Four pages of puzzles to keep you occupied during the festive season.
  • Two pages of entertainment news.
  • The latest sport news from around Basingstoke.
  • And much more!

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