Drug Dealer Nabbed with Samurai Sword in Chatham Jailed
A young drug dealer caught with a deadly samurai sword in Chatham has been locked up. Zaqiel Gardnar, 19, from Highbrook Road, London, was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars after pleading guilty to a string of drug and driving offences.
Drugs, Sword and Illegal Driving Land Dealer in Jail
Gardnar’s jail term was handed down at Maidstone Crown Court on 3 September 2020. He admitted possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis. On top of that, he faced charges of carrying an offensive weapon in public, driving without insurance, and possessing criminal property.
Sworn for Selling Class A Drugs and Wielding Sword
Officers on routine patrol spotted Gardnar sitting in a car at Central Park Gardens, Chatham, during a Covid-19 social distancing check on 21 April 2020. They noticed a strong smell of cannabis and asked him to step out. The moment he did, a packet containing around 20 wraps of drugs fell from his trousers.
A search of the car revealed the unexpected weapon — a samurai sword hidden under the passenger seat — alongside cash and mobile phones.
Further searches in custody uncovered more drugs on Gardnar. Experts confirmed the wraps contained heroin and crack cocaine. Text messages on his seized phones pointed to ongoing drug deals.
Drugs and Weapon Destroyed as Dealer is Locked Up
“Gardnar was in possession of class A drugs with the sole purpose of selling drugs in Medway, targeting vulnerable drug users in order to make a profit,” said Detective Constable Mark Donovan.
“Not only was he carrying heroin and crack cocaine, but also a samurai sword capable of causing serious harm. I’m glad he’s off the streets along with the drugs and weapon.”
The judge ordered all seized drugs and the sword to be destroyed as part of Gardnar’s sentencing.
