A drug dealer who convinced a vulnerable person to allow him to use their flat as a base for dealing heroin and crack cocaine has been jailed.
Batare Evwierhoma has been sentenced to seven years in jail after admitting possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and acquiring criminal property. He was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday 20 January 2022.
The 29-year-old of Birkhall Road, Lewisham, was arrested by officers from Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team after he was seen leaving a flat in St Michael’s Court, Strood, on 26 August 2021.
He was also seen holding a door key which officers believed was suspicious as they knew who lived at the address.
Evwierhoma was followed onto Vicarage Road when he was stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act. He resisted arrest and attempted to flee the scene however he was promptly detained.
He was found holding a small parcel of crack cocaine and heroin. He was subsequently searched and found to be in possession of a large quantity of cash.
Inside a pocket officers also found a bottle of deodorant which had been modified to contain drugs.
These were wrapped in a roll and later found to contain 100 wraps of street deals and a further 24g of larger amounts of class A. The drugs were field tested and confirmed to be crack cocaine and heroin.
He was arrested by officers and the flat was then searched. Inside police found clothing belonging to Evwierhoma, as well as further drugs and money. They also found scales, a passport and ID belonging to him. He was charged with the drug offences the following day.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Ben Willbye said: ‘Evwierhoma targeted a vulnerable person in Medway. His sentence is reflective of his offending and I hope it acts as a deterrent to others.
‘Nobody should be made to give up the security of their home and I would urge anyone who feels they are in that position or being targeted to call Kent Police so we can assist and investigate if appropriate to do so.’