29-year-old Michael Awotunde sentenced to over 7 years for drug offences in the UK

Michael Awotunde, 29, of no fixed abode was sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 25 April after pleading guilty to:

- possession of heroin with intent to supply - seven years' imprisonment;
- possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply - seven years' imprisonment (to run concurrently);
- possession of a bladed article - nine months' imprisonment (to run consecutively);

- driving without insurance - disqualified from driving for three years;
- driving not in accordance with a licence - no separate penalty.

According to Metropolitan Police, Awotunde was arrested after the car he was driving was forced to a stop by marked police cars as it travelled north on the M11 between Harlow and Bishops Stortford. Awotunde had previously failed to stop for police.

Upon searching him, officers found a package containing 104 wraps of crack cocaine and 37 wraps of heroin. Awotunde was also found to be in possession of a lock knife. After analysing his mobile phone, text messages were found which appeared to show people contacting Awotunde with a view to purchasing drugs from him.

He was charged and subsequently pleaded guilty at court and  was sentenced on the same day. During sentencing it was heard that Awotunde's had been convicted of drugs offences on two previous occasions. Given this was his third drug related offence, Awotunde was sentenced to the mandatory seven year term.

Detective Constable Gareth Starr of the Trident and Area Crime Command who led the investigation said:

"The weight of evidence against Awotunde meant he had no choice but to plead guilty at court to these offences and he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison. I hope his conviction sends a strong message to those who believe they can profit from dealing drugs - you will be arrested and put before the courts to face the consequences of your actions."