Gun and £20K Worth of Cocaine Seized in Kent Sting
Lee Walker, 35, and Alex Vassallo, 28, were caught red-handed acting dodgy on Milton Avenue on the evening of Saturday 18 June 2022.
Police swooped in after spotting the pair swapping a suspicious bag. Walker tried to leg it down an alley but was quickly stopped by officers on his tail. Meanwhile, Vassallo was spotted inside a car clutching a rucksack that now held the exchanged bag.
High-Powered Pistol and Class A Drugs Found
Vassallo struggled during his arrest, but officers wrestled him down. A search of the rucksack uncovered an 8mm Bruni pistol and crack cocaine with a street value of up to £20,000.
Both men were locked up and charged with firearm possession and intent to supply cocaine.
Lengthy Jail Time for Pair
At Canterbury Crown Court, the duo pleaded guilty to the charges. On Friday 3 February 2023, Walker from West Cliff Road, Ramsgate, was sentenced to five years and seven months behind bars. Vassallo of Gladstone Road, Broadstairs, received five years and three months.
“These arrests show our commitment to relentlessly disrupt serious criminals,” said Acting Detective Inspector Jon Saxby of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
“I’m pleased a dangerous weapon and class A drugs have been taken off the streets, stopping harm and cutting off criminal profits.”
