A Southampton drug dealer has been jailed for three years after police uncovered a Class A drugs line operating from a property in St Mary’s.
Rahman Hotak, 24, of Argyle Road, Southampton, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 28 September after admitting possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.
The investigation began when officers carrying out patrols in St Mary’s as part of the Building a Brighter Future initiative witnessed suspected drug dealing outside an address in Argyle Road.
Officers entered the property and found Hotak, who the court heard immediately tried to destroy evidence by flushing items down a toilet.
Police intervened and recovered gloves and suspected Class A drugs before they could be disposed of.
A further search of the property uncovered multiple mobile phones, weighing scales and £532 in cash.
Officers also seized heroin with an estimated value of £1,200 and crack cocaine worth around £3,600.
Police said the property was being used as a base for a drugs line operating in Southampton.
Hotak was later charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply cocaine, and pleaded guilty to both offences.
Alongside his three-year prison sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of the £532 seized during the investigation and ordered Hotak to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
PC Ryan Smith, of Southampton Custody Investigations Team, said: “Tackling the supply of Class A drugs across St Mary's and Southampton remains a priority for us. This sentence sends a clear message that we are committed to identifying, targeting and pursuing those who choose to profit from criminality.
“This was a significant result which not only removed harmful Class A drugs from circulation, but completely dismantled a drugs line and ensured a dangerous offender can no longer cause harm within our community.
“Drug dealing brings misery to local communities and is often linked to exploitation, violence and wider offending. I'm pleased that our investigation has resulted in Hotak being brought to justice.”
PC Zoe Sparks, who worked on the investigation alongside PC Smith, said the case demonstrated the proactive policing taking place through the Building a Brighter Future initiative.
She said: “I hope this outcome reassures residents that concerns raised by our communities are listened to, acted upon and remain at the heart of the work we do.
“The information we receive from the public is invaluable and often plays a vital role in investigations like this. Every report helps us build a clearer picture of the issues affecting our neighbourhoods and allows us to target our resources where they are needed most.”
Police say work in St Mary’s will continue alongside residents and partner organisations to tackle drug-related offending and protect vulnerable people.
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