A teenager was told she ‘belonged’ to a drugs gang who lured her into a car and trafficked her from London to Swansea after meeting her online, a court has heard.
Gang members held a 19-year-old woman against her will for five days and forced her to look after a stash of Class A drugs.
The terrified teen, who was reported missing from north London, was released when police later raided the house in Penlan, Swansea.
Mahad Yusuf, 20, and Fesal Mahamud, 19, both from north London, pleaded guilty to trafficking for the purposes of exploitation when they appeared at Swansea Crown Court
Mahad Yusuf, 20, and Fesal Mahamud, 19, both from north London, pleaded guilty to trafficking for the purposes of exploitation when they appeared at Swansea Crown Court.
The pair also admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
The conviction is thought to be the first time powers under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 have been used in such a case.
The court heard the swoop was part of a Metropolitan Police operation targeting so-called ‘County Line’ operations, where gangs from London extend their dealings from the capital into smaller towns and cities across the UK.
In March this year the Met became aware of a north London gang running a County Line operation in Swansea.
Two months later, officers raided the property in Penlan, which was suspected of being used in the supply of drugs.
Swansea Crown Court heard the swoop was part of a Metropolitan Police operation targeting so-called ‘County Line’ operations, where gangs from London extend their dealings from the capital into smaller towns and cities across the UK
Sentencing in the case was adjourned until January 4.
Met Police detective inspector Rick Sewart, who led the investigation, said drugs gangs were exploiting vulnerable people across the country.
He added: ‘The victim in this case suffered a horrendous ordeal at the hands of these two men, who trafficked her for their own criminal gain.
‘Unfortunately this case is by no means unique. Drug dealers are exploiting vulnerable people across the country via County Lines. This prosecution is a clear message to any drug dealer that if you exploit young people we will find you, bring you to justice and you will feel the full force of the law.’