Two Drug Dealers Jailed for Crack and Heroin Supply in Thurrock
Two men have been locked up for three years each for dealing crack cocaine and heroin in Thurrock. Iztvan Stuurman, 28, from South Ockendon, and Joel Johnson, 27, with no fixed address, were both convicted at Basildon Crown Court on 3 July.
Crack and Heroin Stash Discovered in Hotel Room
Johnson was caught red-handed on 4 May 2019 after police stopped a vehicle in South Ockendon. Officers found a large amount of crack and heroin. Minutes before his arrest, he had sent multiple messages linked to drug dealing.
Johnson carried a hotel key fob linked to room registered under Agne Vaituleviciute. Staff recognised Johnson at the hotel, where police found a room rigged for cutting and packaging Class A drugs.
Partner’s DNA Leads to Second Arrest
Hotel CCTV revealed Stuurman, Vaituleviciute’s partner, had been in the room. His DNA was discovered inside, leading to his arrest four days later. Police seized his phone with further evidence of drug supply.
Sentences and Police Statement
- Stuurman got three years for drug supply and a concurrent three months for cannabis possession.
- Johnson received three years plus 12 months for acquiring criminal property.
- Vaituleviciute, 21, got an 18-month suspended sentence and unpaid work for her role.
Inspector Scott Fitzmaurice of Op Raptor West said: “Following some quick actions we arrested Johnson moments after he sent dozens of messages about drug supply. We found evidence of Class A drug preparation in the hotel room.
“Stuurman thought he had escaped, but we tracked him down and brought him before the court. Both men now have plenty of time to think about their crimes in prison.”
