Drug dealer jailed after officers see through his feeble attempt to mislead them

A drug dealer who tried to throw officers off the scent by giving a fake name has been jailed thanks to sound local knowledge by officers who recognised him.

Serial offender Taymullah Wilson, 26 (10.11.97) of Broadway Avenue, Croydon, is now starting a seven-year jail term having pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, ammunition and drug supply.

Detective Inspector Ray Sekalongo, Specialist Crime South, said: “Wilson is a repeat offender who once more has been convicted of a firearms offence, alongside serious drugs matters.

"Thanks to the keen eyes of Met officers we were able to firstly disprove Wilson’s claim to be someone else, and secondly find the substantial evidence needed to convict Wilson and prevent any further criminality.

“We have zero tolerance for anyone who acts in this way. I hope Wilson's imprisonment sends out a strong message to those who choose to handle firearms – you will be arrested, put before the courts and held to account for your actions.”

On Tuesday, 16 August 2023 police, acting on information received, carried out a firearms warrant at Wilson's home.

As they entered the address, officers saw Wilson open a window and throw several items into the back garden of a neighbouring house.

Wilson initially gave a fake name but one of the officers was able to recognise him. He was arrested for offences including recall to prison for a previous firearms conviction.

The items thrown from the window were examined. One was a clear bag containing a white powder later identified as cocaine.

The Met's dog unit found the next package close by - it contained a silver-coloured revolver style handgun and three rounds of ammunition.

Searches of the address revealed scales and multiple phones for dealing drugs, as well as MDMA pills, a lock knife and £2,730 in cash.

Sentencing took place on Tuesday, 27 August at Croydon Crown Court.

Wilson had previously been jailed in August 2021 for two years and six months for possession of a shotgun.