UK sentences Nigerian national to 8 years for drugs
A 26-year-old Nigerian man named Olusegun Babalola has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the UK for his involvement in drug dealing.
Babalola was arrested on Friday, May 19, 2023, when police conducted a raid at his residence on Whitsed Street, Eastfield, as part of an operation targeting drug dealing and exploitation in Peterborough.
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After months of intelligence gathering, the police had substantial evidence linking Babalola to the distribution of crack cocaine and heroin within the city, operating as part of a ‘county lines’ operation.
During the morning raid, officers discovered more than £7,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine hidden inside a tissue box on the kitchen worktop.
Additionally, they found various drug paraphernalia, including small weighing scales and multiple mobile phones, one of which was confirmed as the ‘deal line’ for the county line operation.
Further investigation revealed a substantial collection of designer clothing and footwear within his one-bedroom flat.
Babalola appeared before Peterborough Crown Court on Friday, September 15, where he was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.
He had previously admitted to five counts of supplying crack cocaine, being involved in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, and possessing heroin and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Detective Constable Olly Campbell, who led the investigation, stated, “Babalola’s possession of a significant amount of designer goods contradicted his claim of being unemployed. Through a range of investigative tactics, we amassed substantial evidence that not only implicated him in drug dealing but also indicated his prominent role in the county lines setup, ultimately leading to his confession in court.”
“Babalola becomes the seventh individual to receive sentencing as part of Operation Tsunami, an initiative aimed at combating exploitation and illegal drug activities in Peterborough. This enforcement effort, which took place throughout May, has resulted in the arrest of 48 individuals, with 19 of them facing 83 drug-related charges. Additionally, five people have been sentenced to a combined total of 24 years and 11 months in prison as a result of the operation.”
