Drug dealer with 'luxury lifestyle' in Braintree jailed

Dylan Martin, 31, was running the ‘Doctor’ drug line operation which moved drugs into Braintree and the surrounding area. 

Martin was arrested in Braintree during a planned operation which saw thousands of pounds in cash uncovered, a weapon and the drugs line phone. 

Essex Police investigated after linking Martin as the drugs line holder to a black Mercedes hire vehicle, which was used to deal drugs in the town.

Jail - Dylan Martin, 31, has been sentenced on July 19 at Chelmsford Crown Court (Image: Essex Police)  

Police enquiries revealed that Martin was the holder of the rental policies and led officers to evidence linking the phone line movement with the movement of the known vehicles, showing regular journeys from London to Braintree. 

Martin was a known member of a gang based in London and has a history of violent offences, including aggravated burglary, battery, possession of imitation firearms and drug supply, police said. 

Further police work uncovered links to properties in Braintree, which appeared to be used as base for the drug supply. 

Officers were able to pin down the exact locations during Operation Grip, an ongoing operation tackling and reducing serious violence in the area. 

During a planned operation on May 9, officers of the Operation Raptor team were sent to intercept Martin’s vehicle and arrest him. 

Cash - Notes found at Dylan Martin's home (Image: Essex Police)

He tried to flee, but was caught in a cul-de-sac, where he was arrested. 

At the time he was found with a large quantity of cash and was in possession of the ‘Doctor’ line phone while trying to collect money made by the line and return it to London. 

Following his arrest, warrants were executed in Braintree and his home in Stratford, where thousands of pounds in cash and a telescopic baton were located. 

Martin admitted to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession of an offensive weapon in a private place and possession of criminal property at Chelmsford Crown Court in June. 

He was sentenced on July 19 by His Honour Judge Wilkin to five and a half years in prison. 

Acting Det Insp Jonathan Stephenson, of the Op Raptor north team, said: “The case which was built against Martin - which was fed into by a number of teams in our serious violence unit – was so strong that he had no realistic alternative but to admit his guilt. 

Weapon - A telescopic baton found by Essex Police (Image: Essex Police)

“His role in the supply of drugs was significant. Despite his previous convictions, he clearly continued to believe he was above the law and oversaw a drugs line which was active in Braintree and its surrounding areas. 

“Unfortunately for him, he’s not above the law and the evidence against him was overwhelming. The harm which drug supply causes cannot be underestimated whether that is in our urban areas or in our more rural areas. We tackle both in exactly the same way - by building strong cases against the people behind these toxic groups.” 

Chief Insp Martin Richards, Braintree district commander, added: “Our district is undoubtedly a safer place with this drug line dismantled and its owner in jail. Martin believed he could target our community but he was wrong. 

“We have teams and resources, both here in our district and across the force, who specialise in targeting people like Martin and bringing them to justice. 

“But the overwhelmingly strong cases being built can only be done with the support of our residents, who report suspicious activity to us. 

“Even if an immediate response to your report isn’t apparent, there is always work going on behind the scenes and these reports help us hugely in building up a picture of where issues are arising.” 

Essex Police will also pursue Martin through the Proceeds of Crime Act and seek to claw back his ill-gotten gains to fund charities across Essex.