A South London drug dealer's distinctive habit of fist-bumping his customers ultimately led to his arrest and a substantial prison sentence.
The Bust That Ended His Operation
On May 27, plain-clothes officers in Crawley observed Jamie Gabriel engaging in suspicious activity outside Longley House. The 28-year-old, from Benton’s Lane in Norwood, was seen fist-bumping individuals, a gesture that prompted police to pull over his vehicle.
A subsequent search proved fruitful for the investigation. Officers discovered cocaine in Gabriel's pockets and cannabis inside the car. Further investigation into his mobile phone revealed his deeper involvement, establishing that he was actively supplying both class A and class B drugs through a network of contacts in the town.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Gabriel appeared at Lewes Crown Court on November 12, where he admitted to five separate drug offences. The charges laid against him were comprehensive, including possession of cannabis, possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and heroin.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, the dealer from Lambeth had little choice but to enter a guilty plea. The court handed down a sentence of five years and seven months in prison.
A Third Conviction and Police Statement
This conviction marks the third time Gabriel has been found guilty of drug supply offences. Speaking after the case, CID supervisor Oli Robinson of Sussex Police commented on the result.
"Officers have been working hard to disrupt the supply of drugs which cause significant harm in our communities," Robinson stated. "Gabriel was seen carrying out drug deals, and our investigation of his phone showed his link to drug supply in Crawley."
He added, "Because of this evidence, he had no choice but to plead guilty at court. We are pleased that an offender selling a significant quantity of drugs has been taken off our streets and is now serving a custodial sentence."
