Londoner jailed for drug supply offences in Dorchester

Mohammed Abdullah, 32, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 26 October after previously pleading guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, acquiring/ using/ possessing criminal property, obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of his/ her duty and assaulting a constable in the execution of his/ her duty.

An address in Wollaston Road, Dorchester was proactively visited by officers on 21 September following reports of suspected drug misuse involving ‘county lines’ drug dealing networks.

County lines is the name given to urban drug dealers expanding their activities into smaller towns and rural areas, primarily to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

During the visit two officers waited at the rear of the address and saw Abdullah climb over the garden wall and run away. They caught up with him when he tripped, injuring an officer in the process. PAVA spray was used in an attempt to detain Abdullah, but he continued to make off.

When officers caught up with him a second time, Abdullah violently attempted to break free. A female officer took hold of his head and Abdullah bit her on the inner thigh.

Other officers arrived and the defendant was handcuffed. White powder, cling film and £10 notes were spotted coming out of the pocket of his tracksuit bottoms.

Three police officers were taken to hospital for treatment. One had fractured a finger on his left hand and sustained partial dislocation and tendon damage on his right hand, requiring each hand to be placed in a plaster cast.

Items seized from Abdullah included £3,130 cash, two mobile phones, wraps containing opiates, cocaine and crack cocaine.

Four other local men aged 30, 32, 34 and 60 were also arrested at the address on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled class A drug and remain released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Abdullah was charged on 22 September.

Detective Constable Julia Bayley, of Weymouth CID, said, “Mohammed Abdullah travelled to the Dorchester area to sell his drugs. Thanks to information from the community we were able to disrupt his activity and remove class A drugs off the street.

“Dorset Police remains committed to tackling county lines and drug dealing in our communities and we would urge anyone with information about suspected drug dealing to come forward.

“We would also like to ask residents to remain vigilant for spotting the signs of cuckooing, which is when a stranger takes over another person’s home, usually a vulnerable person, and uses it as a hub to sell, supply or store drugs and money.”

Anyone with any information about suspected drug dealing or drug related activity in their area can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.