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Jailed: Bethnal Green drug dealer found with loaded gun, heroin and crack cocaine
Irasto Yoxall. Pic: KENT POLICE - Credit: Archant
A ‘dangerous’ drug dealer who kept a loaded gun on top of a wardrobe has been jailed for eight years.
Detectives found the .32 Smith and Wesson double break revolver during a dawn raid on Irasto Yoxall’s flat in Turin Street, Bethnal Green.
His address was raided as part of an operation targetting drug dealers in Kent.
The gun – able to fire up to five shots – was wrapped in a cloth and hidden in a cupboard above the wardrobe.
Officers from Kent Police also uncovered 73 bags of crack cocaine besides 40 wraps and a solid lump of heroin under a boiler. The drugs had a combined street value of about £3,500.
Det Insp James Derham said: “The items found in Yoxall’s property prove him to be a dangerous and organised offender who seeks to profit from the misery of drug abuse.
“Had our officers not acted when they did, I have little doubt that the firearms would have been used in criminality, possibly endangering the lives of innocent members of the public.”
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Yoxall, 32, was arrested at his home during the police raid in April last year.
He pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition without a certificate as well as being in possession of heroin with intent to supply in May last year.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and received a three year sentence which will be served simultaneously.
He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.
Det Insp Derham said: “A large quantity of class A drugs were found pre-packaged and ready to be supplied on the streets – a quick profit for an offender like Yoxall who has no regard for the consequences it would have on the users and their families.
“This case sends out a very clear message – if you are involved in criminality in Kent, Kent police has the resources and the ability to bring you to justice irrespective of where you live.”