Drug Dealer ‘Big Ali’ Busted in Early Morning Raid
Undercover Cops Crack Drug Hotline
The man behind the notorious “Big Ali” drug hotline has been unmasked. Eugene Brannigan, 27, was caught red-handed in an early morning raid at his Birmingham flat on Lombard Street on 7 January.
Police intelligence tracked the line, which was hawking heroin and crack cocaine, moving over £55,000 worth of Class A drugs since last September. Officers swooped on the top-floor apartment after sourcing a key, arresting Brannigan while he was still in bed. He was left puzzled, asking, “How did you get in?”
Phone Evidence Exposes Drug Empire
Brannigan tried to cover his tracks by altering his phone’s IMEI sticker and initially refused to hand over his PIN. But cops cracked his handset and uncovered a trove of texts marketing drugs to around 90 customers across Balsall Heath and Birmingham city centre.
Further searches revealed Brannigan was cooking crack cocaine in the flat, operating a serious County Lines network from Woodville Road.
Justice Served: Nearly Seven Years Behind Bars
At Birmingham Crown Court on 25 February, Brannigan pled guilty to supplying Class A drugs. He was slammed with a hefty sentence of six years and nine months inside.
Detective Constable James Clarke said: “While many know we often have to force entry, having a key gave us the element of surprise. This jail term shows how seriously the courts take organised drug supply.”
He added: “Though no other suspects were named, evidence showed Brannigan was directing others to deliver. County Lines exploits young, vulnerable people and puts lives at risk. We’re committed to going after those who use others for profit.”
The sting highlights a brutal crackdown on County Lines dealers wreaking havoc across the city.
