Three Year Sentence For Drug Dealer Caught 'Red-Handed'

A 22-year-old man has been jailed for three years after being caught "red-handed" in a drugs deal.

Oliver Hanna, of Hercies Road, Uxbridge, was found guilty of four counts of drug-related offences at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court .

The court heard how on 28 June 2014, officers were patrolling Sunningdale Avenue, Ruislip, Middlesex when they noticed a suspicious man getting into a parked vehicle.

Officers approached the vehicle and witnessed the man handing over money to Hanna who was sitting in the driver’s seat.

Believing a drug deal was taking place, officers searched both men under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but no drugs were found.

However, when officers carried out a search of the vehicle they noticed that the interior door handle on the front passenger side had been tampered with. The officers removed the cover and inside they found a bag containing six smaller bags of white and brown powder.

Hanna was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A search of his home address was carried out where further class A drugs were found as well as drug dealing paraphernalia.

At the police station, Hanna was again searched for drugs where seven folded lottery tickets were found concealed in his bottom all containing cocaine.

The total value of drugs found in Hanna’s possession was just over £17,000.

Mr Hanna fled the country while out on bail, but was arrested at Heathrow Airport on 24 February this year.

Sergeant Liam Moore said: "I am pleased with this custodial sentence, which reflects the quantity of drugs Hanna had in his possession that he clearly intended to sell to others.

"I hope this sentence serves as a reminder to others that Hillingdon Police will not tolerate drug dealers and we will continue to disrupt and arrest those who choose to follow in Hanna’s footsteps."

(MH)