A Luton drug dealer has been sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after being caught with firearms, ammunition, and a substantial quantity of drugs, as police continue their crackdown on serious organised crime.
Police Raid Uncovers Drugs and Weapons
Officers from the force’s guns and gangs unit, Boson, executed a drug warrant in December last year at a property in Luton. Inside, they discovered a large amount of cannabis and other drug-related paraphernalia. The property was linked to 22-year-old Kieran Church.
As officers carried out their search, Church, who was aware of the warrant, phoned an occupant of the property to ask if police would be seizing his car, which was parked nearby. Acting on this information, officers obtained a warrant to search the vehicle, leading to the discovery of a shotgun and two cartridges.
Church was arrested shortly afterward in another part of Luton, after initially attempting to evade officers.
Further Searches Reveal Additional Drugs and Firearms
A second raid at another address connected to Church uncovered a small quantity of cocaine, multiple mobile phones, a bag of pills, more than £2,000 in cash, and additional drugs. Under a mattress, officers found a handgun loaded with live ammunition.
Following a thorough investigation, Church, of Acworth Crescent, Luton, was convicted of several offences, including:
- Possession of firearms
- Possession of a shotgun
- Possession of ammunition without a certificate (two counts)
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited
- Possession of Class A drug MDMA with intent to supply
- Possession of cannabis with intent to supply
Additionally, he received a four-month sentence for possession of a bladed article.
Police Response and Public Appeal
Speaking after the sentencing at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (27 February), Detective Constable Dave Elias, who led the operation, highlighted the significance of removing dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets:
“We have removed two dangerous weapons from the streets of Bedfordshire alongside a vast quantity of drugs. We are continuing to tackle drug dealing in our county, as we know this behaviour is directly associated with much of the weapons and violence found on our streets.
“We are continuing to apply pressure and apprehend those illegally peddling drugs through our communities, and we will relentlessly pursue those involved.
“We want to continue to work with our communities to demonstrate that crime does not pay. We would like to remind our public of the importance of sharing what they know, see, and hear, so we can continue to build our intelligence picture and reduce criminality in the community.”
Authorities are urging residents to report any suspicious activities related to drug dealing and organised crime to help keep Bedfordshire’s streets safe.
