A notorious county lines drug dealer in Gillingham has been locked away for three years. Rilwan Shinaba, 30, who went by the street name ‘Rex’, was caught supplying heroin and crack cocaine in the area.
Undercover Cops Catch ‘Rex’ Red-Handed
On 19 August 2020, officers spotted Shinaba near his Pearl Lane home making a shady deal with a woman in a car. As cops closed in, Shinaba tried to hide something by covering his mouth — likely attempting to swallow drugs.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a wrap of suspected class A drugs, £325 in cash, and a phone loaded with incriminating messages between Shinaba and local users.
Raid Uncovers More Drugs and Cash at Shinaba’s Home
Police then swooped on his house, finding more class A and B drugs, a contact list of local drug users, and £1,500 in cash. Shinaba was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of class B drugs.
He denied the charges but was found guilty at trial.
Justice Served at Woolwich Crown Court
On 11 November 2025, Woolwich Crown Court handed down a stiff three-year sentence. Detective Constable Mark Donovan said:
“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.”
