Gang member jailed after heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis found in police raid
A 22-year-old man from Lambeth has been sentenced to a three year custodial sentence for drug offences.
Police raided known gang member Michael Richards’ home in Saxby Road, Clapham, in November 2021.
Richards was found inside the address with a number wraps of class A drugs as well as a large amount of cash.
Laboratory tests later found the substances to be heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis with a street value of around £1,000.
He was subsequently charged with three drug related offences, including possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A and possession a controlled drug of class B.
On Thursday, January 6, Richards appeared at Inner London Crown Court where he received a three year custodial sentence.
Inspector Dan Thompson, who leads VCTF Proactive Syndicate 11, based at Sutton, said: “The distribution of drugs fuels violence and the associated criminality that accompanies it causes misery to local communities.
“This is a great example of how the VCTF are tasked to an area and can really focus on those individuals who are driving up violence on our streets and in our communities through the supply of drugs.”
The police have reported that homicide and knife crime has decreased.
Between January and November 2021 homicides decreased by 7 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
Knife crime decreased by 32 per cent and knife crime with injury decreased by 21 per cent.
Inspector Thompson added: “Despite these reductions, we are not complacent and know there is more to do.
“Our determination to tackle these crimes remains strong and we will continue to work with our partners, using every power and tactic available, to serve and protect our communities.
“We are absolutely committed to driving down violent crime and we will relentlessly focus on those individuals intent on causing violence.’’
Anyone with information about violence can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.