Wanted Dartford drug dealer jailed after 'cuckooing' man's home

Joshua Slattery went into hiding for three months after Kent Police were notified he was 'cuckooing' the home in mid-2018.

The 22-year-old, of Laburnum Avenue, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court and was sentenced to three years in prison.

He had previously admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

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The court heard Slattery and co-offender Luftur Rahman took over a flat belonging to a man, who they knew was vulnerable, last year.

However, their devious scheme was unveiled in July when a relative contacted Kent Police, prompting an investigation by their Operation Raptor team.

Officers visited the address shortly after the initial call was made and numerous burner mobile phones and a quantity of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis was seized.

Drugs seized by cops

The items were found in a safe that had been put there by the offenders and had an estimated value of between £5,000 and £10,000.

Rahman was detained on July 3 but Slattery, knowing he was under investigation, then went into hiding.

Drugs seized by cops

A wanted appeal was issued to help locate him and on November 27 he was arrested at an address in Hilltop Gardens, Dartford.

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Detective Constable Terence Hanlon said: "Slattery’s offending was highly calculated and deeply exploitive.

"He was well aware of the victim’s vulnerabilities and chose to exploit these for his own profit. When his offending came to light, he then went into hiding in an attempt to escape the consequences of his actions.

"I am pleased that we have now been able to bring him to justice."

Rahman, 23, formerly of Savoy Road in Dartford, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail last August 2 after he admitted possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.