Met investigation leads to six-year jail term for Woodford Green drug dealer

Met investigation leads to six-year jail term for Woodford Green drug dealer

A man from Woodford Green has been sentenced to six years imprisonment for drug supply and conspiracy charges as a result of the dedicated work by Met officers.

Rourke Lorenzo David, 36 (05.08.88) of Smeaton Road, Chigwell, was sentenced to six years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 29 August. David was sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The sentence demonstrates how the Met is actively working to strengthen its relationships with London communities by tackling the crime that matters most to them, such as drug dealing and associated violence and anti-social behaviour.

Between April and June 2020, local Woodford Green officers suspected David to be a significant figure in a large-scale drug operation after receiving intelligence. Colleagues from the National Crime Agency (NCA) passed information onto the Met after European agencies cracked the encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

The intelligence revealed that during a two-month period, David acted as a middleman in facilitating drug sales of cocaine, valued at approximately £213,150.

Police Constable Mia Marett Gregory, leading the investigation, said:

“We are committed to taking drugs off our streets and combatting the sale of dangerous and illegal substances which pose a threat to our communities.

“Those that profit from the illegal drugs trade should be prepared to feel the full force of the law and I hope today’s sentence goes some way in deterring criminals.

“We will continue to dismantle organised crime networks and work with our partners to protect vulnerable people who feel they have no choice but to turn to drugs, so we can build a safer London for everyone.”

The court heard how David coordinated cocaine sales between organised groups, who had the purpose of them selling cocaine onto individual buyers mainly across west and central London. Acting as a business, he provided samples to buyers and arranged for courier services, payments and delivery of drugs.

Specialist officers built a case against David, finding evidence to show his techniques to attempt to avoid being caught by law enforcement agencies. This included advising one buyer on discreet cash handling techniques to avoid leaving fingerprints.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is focusing on community crime-fighting and bringing more offenders to justice.