A suspected drug dealer has been charged with child exploitation and supplying Class A drugs in Swindon.

Lewis Morton, of Fairford Crescent in Penhill, has been charged with a string of offences after an extensive investigation by the Swindon Local Policing Tasking Team (LPTT).

The 23-year-old appeared in Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 6, and has since been remanded in custody.

He is accused of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin.

Morton has also been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and cannabis, possession of criminal property.

He is also accused of multiple weapons offences, including possessing an air weapon when prohibited for life, and four counts of possessing an offensive weapon in private place.

These weapons allegedly included push daggers, a zombie knife and a curved blade of 50cm or more.

DC Will Saunders of the LPTT says the charges come as a result of an investigation into child exploitation and drug supply in the area.

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He said: “This charge follows a complex investigation into child exploitation and the subsequent drugs supply within the local community.

“Child exploitation is the grooming and or enslavement of children and young people for the purposes of making money through selling drugs, other illicit items, and sexual exploitation.

“Criminal gangs, often known as county line gangs, recruit and groom young people to transport and deliver drugs.

“Violence and intimidation are used to control and trap children and to isolate them from their families and schools.

“Young people, in particular girls, are also being sexually exploited, while vulnerable adults are also at risk.”

DC Saunders has warned people to stay vigilant of any signs that young people they know may be at risk of exploitation.

He added: “Signs to look out for include unexplained money, gifts or items, young people being picked up and dropped off by unknown people, missing episodes, multiple phones, and changes in behaviour, for example becoming more withdrawn.

“Anyone with any concerns around young people that are being exploited can be reported to Wiltshire Police via 101 or our online submission forms or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

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