A Brent man has narrowly avoided jail for the part he played in a “county lines” drug running operation from Lambeth into Surrey.

Sisco Lukuna, 22, of North Circular Road, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

London Inner Crown Court heard the gang was led by Tyrone Jones, 28, of Peckford Place, Brixton, and his girlfriend Patricia Slate, of nearby Major Cross.

As drug squad officers entered Slater’s home on November 27, Jones was seen to throw drugs worth £3,500 from a window.

During a four-month investigation, officers from the Met’s Operation Trident established that Jones and Slater recruited runners who would push their drugs in Surrey.

On July 26, Jones was jailed for 12 years and Slater for five years. Ian Mulgrew, 39, and Sandra McGowan,38, of Radstock Way, Merstham, also received suspended sentences.

County lines see drug dealers set up operations outside their usual operating area, and in to counties like Surrey.