A county lines drug dealer from Gillingham has been jailed for three years. Rilwan Shinaba, 30, marketed himself as ‘Rex’ and was believed to be supplying heroin and crack cocaine in and around the town.
On 19 August 2020, officers stopped Shinaba near his home after witnessing what appeared to be a drug deal between him and a woman in a car. As officers approached, Shinaba was seen placing his hand over his mouth, potentially attempting to swallow evidence.
A subsequent search of the vehicle found a wrap of suspected class A drugs, £325 in cash and a mobile phone. Analysis of the phone showed messages with local drug users.
Officers later searched Shinaba’s home address where they found further class A and B drugs, a list of names and numbers of people believed to be local drug users as well as £1,500 in cash.
He was later charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a class B drug. He denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial and on 11 November 2025, at Woolwich Crown Court Shinaba was jailed for three years.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Donovan said:
‘County lines dealers exploit vulnerable people and bring harm to our communities. This sentence sends a clear message that those involved in supplying drugs in Kent will be identified, arrested, and put before the courts. We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt these networks and protect residents from the dangers associated with drug supply.’