Everything we know about Luke Hammond on 24 Hours in Police Custody

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Plus, how Luke Hammond was involved in a major drugs line,
Plus, how Luke Hammond was involved in a major drugs line, 'The Kane Line'

CHANNEL 4's 24 Hours in Police Custody documents officers as they investigate various crimes.

In one instalment of the popular programme, cameras followed the Police Special Operations Unit as they worked to bring down a major drug line in Luton.

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Luke Hammond pictured was jailed in 2017Credit: Twitter / @bedspolice

Who is Luke Hammond?

Luke Hammond is one name that features in the Channel 4 show - which documented police officers as they brought down a drug line in Luton used to sell £100,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine a week.

As one of 12 drug dealers, Hammond was part of a gang that used a telephone number known as 'The Kane Line'.

Assistant Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: ''The Kane Line is a phone number that is made known to those with drug addiction and you can essentially organise your drug collection.''

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Exchanges were said to have often been carried out in broad daylight - including in the middle of the street.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) carried out a six-month investigation between September 2016 and March 2017.

Through the use of surveillance footage ERSOU - which covers seven counties in England - were able to track down those involved.

It culminated in 10 simultaneous search warrants being carried out in Luton, in conjunction with Bedfordshire Police and the National Crime Agency.

Following the investigation, officers uncovered a group of young men and juveniles who were involved in the case - one of which was ''ringleader'' Kane Lee.

In 2017, Kane Lee was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Where is Luke Hammond now?

That same year street dealer Luke Hammond was sentenced to three years in prison for supplying Class A drugs.

Following his sentencing not much is known about Hammond or his whereabouts.

How long did the gang get jailed for?

The gang was jailed for a total of 40 years.

Nine men and three boys, including Hammond and Lee, were charged and all pleaded guilty to their respective offences.

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The gang were all sentenced at Luton Crown Court.

Discussing the investigation, Detective Inspector Andy Duddle, ERSOU said: ''This was a highly organised drugs supply gang, whose criminality would have had far-reaching, damaging effects on many vulnerable people within our society.

''This is made all the more concerning by the fact that children were recruited into this criminal ring. Drugs ruin lives and contribute to crime and anti-social behaviour, causing significant danger and disruption to neighbourhoods.

''ERSOU is committed to cracking down on organised crime and high-level drugs offences and I am pleased to see such a lengthy shared jail sentence passed down today. This should serve as a warning to all those who become involved in drugs – you will be targeted and dealt with severely by the courts.''

Shanine Bruder

Luton, TV explainers, Police, Explainers, Drugs, Crime, Channel 4

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