A drug dealer from Lewisham has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars after a routine ticket inspection at a South London railway station led to the discovery of heroin and crack cocaine.
Ticket Issue Leads to Major Arrest
Jerome Alexander Simpson-O'Conner, aged 31, of Howson Road, Lewisham, was arrested at West Croydon railway station on October 2. Officers were conducting an operation targeting drugs, weapons, and robbery. At approximately 4:15 pm, Simpson-O'Conner disembarked from a train and attempted to exit the station.
He was initially stopped due to a ticket irregularity. Following a conversation with him, police officers developed reasonable grounds to conduct a personal search. The situation escalated when Simpson-O'Conner became hostile and attempted to flee from officers. He was swiftly apprehended and detained.
Drugs, Phones, and a Second Address Uncovered
During the struggle, the suspect discarded a ball containing Class A drugs. A subsequent search revealed he was carrying two mobile phones. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and taken into custody.
Investigators then searched an address he claimed as his residence. There, they found a tenancy agreement in his name for a second property. A search of this second address proved far more revealing, uncovering:
- More Class A drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, concealed inside a shoe.
- A set of weighing scales.
- A lock knife.
- Five additional mobile phones, one of which was being used to advertise drugs for sale.
In total, police recovered nearly 15 grams of crack cocaine and just over 12 grams of heroin. During police interviews, Simpson-O'Conner opted to make no comment in response to all questions.
Significant Sentence at the Old Bailey
Appearing at the Old Bailey on December 23, Jerome Alexander Simpson-O'Conner pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He was subsequently sentenced to five years and eight months' imprisonment.
Sergeant Julian Mason from the British Transport Police's County Lines Taskforce, who oversaw the investigation, commented on the case. "Simpson-O'Conner tried to frustrate us at each step," he said, "first by attempting to escape, answering no comment in interview, and distancing himself from his actual address, but officers worked tenaciously with partners including the CPS and that has led to his significant sentence."
He emphasised the wider impact of such crimes, stating: "The supply of Class A drugs is inextricably linked to violence and misery in communities, including the exploitation of vulnerable people. I hope his time behind bars allows Simpson-O'Conner to think about his actions." Sergeant Mason also praised the work of all officers and partner agencies involved in securing the conviction.
