Drug gang jailed after bringing “misery” while flooding streets of Derbyshire with heroin and crack cocaine

Derbyshire Police launched Operation Birnam as part of an investigation into the ‘M/Emz’ county line drug dealing operation.

Officers established that Millen O’Donnell was supplying drugs in Derby (West End and Stockbrook) and Amber Valley (Heanor, Ripley, Langley Mill, Loscoe and Codnor).

He was also identified as the main controller of the drug dealing gang and orchestrated those below him into deal drugs, whilst arranging for them to stay in b&b hotels.

The drug runners working under O’Donnell were Jonathan Wilson, Rosco Cyster, Daryl Hudson and Mark Carlin.

Officers seized a significant amount of suspected Class A drugs during the course of their investigation. They also recovered mobile phones, which were examined and revealed a significant amount of evidence that showed the devices were being used to advertise and deal drugs to users.

All five suspects were charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine between March 1 2025 and January 27 this year.

In addition, Cyster was charged with blackmail in relation to repeatedly demanding a man pay him £12,000 or he would come to harm. Each of them pleaded guilty to all their charges.

They received the following sentences during a hearing at Derby Crown Court on Monday, September 14:

Rosco Cyster (20), of no fixed abode – four years prison.

Millen O’Donnell (22), of Grange Gardens, Loscoe – three years and nine months prison.

Mark Carlin (44), of no fixed abode - 18 months prison.

Jonathan Wilson (38), of Charnwood Street, Derby - 18 months prison.

Daryl Hudson (48), of Kirk Langley - 18 months prison (suspended for two years).

Detective Inspector Chris Ford, who leads the Criminal Exploitation Team, said: “This group’s drug dealing activities brought misery to the streets of Derby but they have all been brought to justice now thanks to the considerable efforts of the investigation team.

“This case should act as a warning to other county lines gangs that we are watching you and the law will inevitable always catch up with you.”

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate someone is involved in a county lines gang, including:

Having money, new clothes or electronic devices for which they cannot explain how they paid for them.

Getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, but being secretive about who they're speaking to.

Significant changes in emotional or physical well-being.