Croydon Knife Criminal Nabbed with Heroin Stash
Malakai Sanford, 22, from Brockham Crescent, Croydon, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years behind bars after a daring police bust. The Croydon Crown Court heard how Sanford pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, possession with intent to supply heroin, involvement in supplying Class A drugs, and possession of cannabis.
Knife and Heroin Found During Police Chase
On 29 May 2020, officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) were patrolling New Addington, Croydon, when they spotted Sanford and two others – known gang affiliates with links to local violence. The group abruptly took off running.
During the frantic chase, Sanford’s jacket slipped off and a large 30cm knife fell from his waistband. A search of the jacket also uncovered a box containing a significant amount of heroin.
Sanford Brought to Justice After Months on the Run
After going on the run, Sanford surrendered himself at a police station on 30 September 2020. He was promptly arrested, and the investigation was hailed as a combined effort by several VCTF teams.
“This investigation was a collective effort from various teams across the VCTF which really epitomises our mission of tackling violence together,” said PC Adam Picken of the Met’s Violent Crime Taskforce.
“Officers are out every single day, conducting proactive patrols and taking dangerous weapons like this off the streets. We will not stop pursuing those involved in violent crime to bring them to justice.”
Two other men were arrested at the scene but were later released without charges.
