Jailed drug dealer caught with heroin and a 30cm knife
A 22-year-old Croydon man has been jailed after being found guilty of attempting to deal heroin and carrying a 30cm blade.
Malakai Sanford, of Brockham Crescent, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on January 29, where he pleaded guilty to carrying a knife and possession of cannabis and heroin, with intent to supply.
He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.
Heroin is a known as a Class A drug meaning it is considered one of the most harmful.
The court heard how on May 29, last year, officers from the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) were proactively patrolling in the New Addington area of Croydon.
They spotted a group of three males who were known to be involved in violence and gang activity in the area, and approached them in an effort to engage with them.
All three males then suddenly ran off, and while officers attempted to detain Sanford his jacket came off and a knife – with a 30cm blade – fell from his waistband during the struggle.
Following a search of his jacket, a box containing a large amount of heroin was recovered.
The VCTF launched an immediate investigation to locate Sanford, and he was arrested on September 30 2020 after handing himself in at a police station.
PC Adam Picken, of the VCTF, said: “This investigation was a collective effort from various teams across the VCTF which really epitomises our mission of tackling violence together.
“Officers are out every single day, conducting proactive patrols and taking dangerous weapons like this off the streets. We will not stop pursuing those involved in violent crime to bring them to justice.”
Two other males and were arrested at the scene but no further action was taken against them.
+ If you have any information about knife crime, please contact police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – your anonymity is guaranteed.
If you are worried about someone you suspect may be carrying a knife or other weapon, advice and support is also available through organisations including Knife Free and Fearless
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