Three drug dealers convicted in Woking

A report of men entering an address in Woking armed with knives resulted in the discovery of multiple drugs, weapons and cash at the address and the conviction of three prolific drug dealers, two of whom were only 17 at the time.

A report of people entering an address in Woking armed with knives resulted in the discovery of multiple drugs, weapons and cash and the conviction of three prolific drug dealers, two of whom were only 17 at the time.

The two teenagers, who are from Maidenhead and Milton Keynes but who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of possession with intent to supply a class A drug (cocaine), possession with intent to supply a class A drug (heroin), and possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis) following a trial at Guildford Crown Court.

Wayne Dunkley, 49, of Heathside Crescent, Woking, was also found guilty of allowing premises to be used to facilitate the commission of drug offences.

The court heard how, shortly after midnight on Sunday 18 October 2020, police were made aware that two males had been seen walking into a flat in Devonshire Avenue in Woking with knives, one being described as similar to a machete.

Officers attended the address, and were met by Wayne Dunkley, who said that he was isolating on his own and did not want them in his flat. The officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from inside. Officers had also noticed the shadows of two additional people moving around inside, despite Dunkley’s insistence that he was alone.

The two 17-year-olds were found in the lounge and arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon after a large hunting knife was discovered under the sofa. A small quantity of herbal cannabis was also found.

A further search uncovered a machete on top of a bookshelf and quantities of herbal cannabis hidden in bags around the flat. A black bag containing over 300 wraps of class A drugs was found in a small hole in the bottom of an armchair. Around £1,000 in cash, as well as numerous mobile phones and SIM cards, were also found in the lounge.

All three were arrested for possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs. One of the 17-year-olds was also arrested for possession of cannabis which he later admitted.

Although all three denied any involvement in drug dealing, forensic testing linked the two teenagers to the items found in the flat.

The phones and SIM cards that were seized were examined and uncovered messages advertising the availability of crack cocaine and heroin.

Photos were also found on a phone showing the two 17-year-olds taking drugs, and pictured with multiple knives and a gun.

All three were sentenced as below:

• The 17-year-old from Maidenhead was given a 22-month suspended sentence order, suspended for a period of 24 months, including 80 hours’ unpaid work, a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement and a 15-day rehabilitation activity. He was also given a deprivation of rights order in relation to his phone, a forfeiture and destruction order of the drugs, paraphernalia and knives, a forfeiture of cash order of £1,085 and a £34 surcharge.
• The 17-year-old from Milton Keynes was given a 24-month suspended sentence order, suspended for a period of 24 months, including 100 hours’ unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity. He was also given a deprivation of rights order in relation to his phone, a forfeiture and destruction order of the drugs, paraphernalia and knives, a forfeiture of cash order of £1,085 and a £34 surcharge.
• Wayne Dunkley was given a 16-month suspended sentence order, suspended for a period of 24 months, including 80 hours’ unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity. He was also given a deprivation of rights order in relation to his phone and ordered to pay a £156 surcharge.

PC Lisa Varley, who led the investigation, said: “Drug dealing will simply not be tolerated in our local communities. Thanks to a report by a passer-by, police attended the address and found all three suspects inside, two of whom were only 17 years old at the time, as well as evidence which clearly indicated they were involved in supplying drugs, along with multiple weapons and large amounts of cash.

“Information from local residents is vital in tackling and disrupting drugs supply within the county and we urge people to keep reporting any concerns they have which helps us build the bigger picture and may be the missing puzzle piece in an ongoing investigation and a successful prosecution.”

If you have concerns about drug use or drug dealing in your area, contact us online or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

What are the signs of potential drug dealing?

• Lots of visitors, who don't stay very long, arriving at all times of the day and night
• People waiting in cars outside particular properties exchanging small packets or cash
• Lots of visitors bringing items such as TVs or bikes but leaving empty handed
• Lone/vulnerable neighbours suddenly having groups of young men living at their address

What we want to know:

• Time, date and place
• Vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour
• Descriptions of people and details of what they were doing