A man has pleaded guilty to multiple human trafficking and drug supply offences after exploiting teenagers to distribute Class A drugs across Swindon.
Kyum Raham, 23, of Northern Road, Rodbourne Cheney, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (17 October) where he admitted three counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another with a view to exploitation, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 11 December.
Raham was arrested on 4 September on suspicion of Class A drug supply offences after officers discovered two mobile phones at his address.
One phone, concealed inside an ironing board, was identified as a newly established drug dealing phone line, set up on 1 September to distribute cocaine and cannabis. The second, a smartphone, contained evidence showing how Raham directed teenagers aged 16 and under to carry out drug dealing on his behalf.
A Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) investigation revealed that Raham promised the teenagers a “better life” in exchange for working as drug runners.
Raham was subsequently charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, and later charged with three counts of breaching Section 2 of the Modern Slavery Act.
He pleaded guilty to all offences.
Detective Inspector Champion of Wiltshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit said:
“Raham exploited these teenagers for his own gain, arranging their travel around Swindon to exploit them into dealing drugs on his behalf.
This type of criminality has a significant impact on young people and their families and can have serious long-term consequences.
We continue to raise awareness among parents, teachers and children on how to spot the signs of exploitation. These can include unexplained money or gifts, changes in mood or behaviour, poor school attendance, and secretive social media use.
I’m pleased that Raham has pleaded guilty to these offences and has been remanded ahead of sentencing in December.”
Wiltshire Police continues to encourage anyone concerned about potential exploitation or county lines activity to report it via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
