Drug Dealer on the Run for Three Years Nabbed in Car Sting
A notorious drug dealer who dodged the long arm of the law for over three years has finally been caught. The trap? A simple car deal that blew his cover.
From Peckham to Prison: The Arrest Story
John Condeh, 35, from High Street, Peckham, was first arrested in July 2020. Cops swooped after an anonymous tip-off about drug dealing in St Leonards, East Sussex.
Inside the property, officers found a stash of heroin and crack cocaine hidden right under Condeh’s nose—in the chair he was sitting on. They also found keys on him, leading to a car where nearly £1,400 in cash was concealed.
On the Run: Skip Court and Go Fugitive
Condeh faced charges including possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, plus possession of criminal property. But he never showed up in court. Instead, he went underground, evading justice for years.
How a Car Sale Cracked the Case Wide Open
Police stepped up the hunt, and in 2023, financial investigators spotted a crucial lead: Condeh agreed to buy a car. The vehicle details were circulated to police forces across the UK.
On November 6, 2023, Condeh was caught driving that very car in south-east london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">London. Officers moved fast and arrested him, ending his fugitive days.
Justice Served: Court Appearance and Sentence
Condeh pleaded guilty on February 26 this year. He was sentenced to two years and eleven months in prison, finally paying the price for his crimes.
“This case highlights the relentless work of law enforcement and the power of teamwork between investigative units in catching criminals,” said a police spokesperson.
The message is clear: no matter how long you run, the law will catch up. Condeh’s days on the run are over.
