A Gloucester man has been sentenced to three years in prison after police uncovered a significant amount of cash and drugs during a raid on his home.
Santiago Sadiku, 34, of Vauxhall Road, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Thursday, September 10, where he pleaded guilty to multiple drug-related offences.
The police executed a warrant at an address in the Barton area of Gloucester on Monday, August 10, following suspicions of drug activity. Officers from the Gloucester Neighbourhood Support Team, along with the Dogs Unit and Drone Unit, conducted the operation which resulted in the seizure of quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and cash.
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During the search, officers found a yellow JD Sports bag in the loft containing £20,000 in banknotes. In Sadiku’s bedroom, they also discovered a designer bag holding a further £4,500 in English banknotes and £20 in Scottish currency, along with a plastic bottle filled with coins valued at £2,100.
Sadiku’s mobile phone was confiscated, and analysis by a Drugs Expert Witness revealed WhatsApp messages confirming his involvement in the sale of cannabis and cocaine. This evidence supported charges of drug dealing.
A spokesperson for the Gloucester and Forest Local Policing Area stated: “We are pleased that Sadiku has been removed from our streets, preventing him from continuing to influence our communities through drug dealing. This case demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our officers to disrupt drug crime in Gloucestershire.”
The police encourage anyone with concerns or information about drug dealing to report it confidentially via their website or through Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.