County Lines Kingpin ‘Rex’ Locked Up for Three Years in Gillingham
Notorious county lines drug dealer Rilwan Shinaba, 30, known on the streets as ‘Rex’, has been jailed for three years. Shinaba was caught supplying heroin and crack cocaine in Gillingham, bringing relief to local communities plagued by drug crime.
Undercover Cops Nab ‘Rex’ in Suspicious Deal
On 19 August 2020, undercover officers spotted Shinaba near his Pearl Lane home making a sketchy drug deal with a woman in a car. As police closed in, Shinaba suspiciously covered his mouth – likely trying to swallow drugs to avoid evidence.
- Search of the vehicle uncovered a wrapped package of suspected class A drugs
- Officers found £325 in cash
- A phone packed with incriminating messages between Shinaba and local users
Police Raid Uncovers More Drugs and Thousands in Cash
Following the arrest, a raid on Shinaba’s home unearthed more class A and B drugs, a detailed contact list of local drug users, and £1,500 in cash. He was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of class B drugs.
Despite denying the charges, Shinaba was found guilty at trial.
Harsh Sentence Delivered at Woolwich Crown Court
On 11 November 2025, Woolwich Crown Court handed down a hefty three-year prison sentence. Detective Constable Mark Donovan vowed to continue the fight against county lines gangs:
“County lines dealers exploit vulnerable people and bring harm to our communities. This sentence sends a clear message — those dealing drugs in Kent will be caught and locked up. We’ll keep fighting to disrupt these networks and keep residents safe.”
