New Delhi (Agency): A 28-year-old Indian-origin woman, Sarina Duggal, has been handed a seven-year prison term for her involvement in a gang that used minor children in their drug supply operations across London, Birmingham, and Bournemouth. Duggal and five other members of the group were found guilty after a seven-week trial and were sentenced to a combined total of over 39 years in prison.
The Metropolitan Police, who led the investigation under Operation Orochi, stated that the gang’s activities included supplying crack cocaine and heroin, causing significant harm to local communities. The operation also resulted in the safeguarding of two missing children from different parts of the country, allowing appropriate support and diversion measures to be implemented for their future well-being.
Detective Constable Jack Jeffries emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the determination of the police to combat such criminal activities. He stated, “The sentences handed down to this group demonstrates how seriously the courts take this offending, and we will continue to use all available resources to combat this activity.”
Operation Orochi, the specialized crime team of the Metropolitan Police, focuses on tackling high-harm offenders involved in county lines drugs supply. The team collaborates with importing county forces to target London-based line holders.
The investigation began in July of the previous year when a 16-year-old boy was apprehended in Bournemouth with a substantial quantity of crack cocaine and heroin. The subsequent seizure of a mobile phone led to suspicions that the teenager was being exploited by a county lines gang. The case was subsequently referred to Operation Orochi for further investigation.
The diligent work of the detectives involved analyzing communication data, mobile phone downloads, and CCTV footage, leading to the identification of four offenders, including Sarina Duggal, who controlled the “Hustle” county drug line operating in Bournemouth. The gang was found to have exploited two missing children from London, involving them in the supply chain while putting them at significant risk.