Over £30,000 Cash and 2,400 Nitrous Oxide Cannisters Seized in Crackdown
Police swooped in a major drug bust, seizing more than £30,000 in cash, 2,400+ nitrous oxide cannisters, cocaine wraps, and drug paraphernalia during a lengthy investigation across Medway.
Four Men Sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court
On Thursday 28 September 2023, Moses Aiyelabola, Luis Guerra, and Bruno Rodrigues were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court. Muhammad Bashir had already been handed his sentence earlier.
The gang was caught after months of surveillance, with officers suspecting them of drug dealing across Medway.
How the Investigation Unfolded
- Moses Aiyelabola was first arrested on 31 January 2020 after a warrant at his Rochester Street, Chatham home. Police found £30,000 in cash, designer gear, watches, and phones linked to drug deals.
- On 12 March 2020, a second raid targeted Luis Guerra’s home in Kingsnorth, where a phone tied to drug crimes was seized.
- Following phone analysis, Aiyelabola, Guerra, and Rodrigues were linked to widespread cocaine supply and arrested in November 2020.
- During Rodrigues’ arrest, a phone implicating Muhammad Bashir led to his arrest and charge.
Sentences Delivered for Drug Supply and More
Moses Aiyelabola, 27, admitted charges including cocaine supply, possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide, and possession of a bladed article. He also faced an unrelated affray charge and was jailed for over four and a half years.
Luis Guerra, 27, and Bruno Rodrigues, 22, both pleaded guilty to cocaine supply. Rodrigues got two years and two months, while Guerra received two years and seven months, including an extra affray sentence. Both were freed immediately after due to time already served.
Muhammad Bashir, 30, from Rochester Street, previously got three and a half years and is now out on licence.
Police Vow to Keep Up Pressure
“These dealers thought nothing of supplying cocaine and other drugs across Medway,” said Detective Constable Peter Emanuel from Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. “They showed zero concern for the damage their drugs wreak on communities and families.”
“We’ll continue to work hard to make sure criminals like this are held to account.”
