A 23 year old man from Thornton Heath has been jailed for seven years after being found in possession of a handgun, heroin and cocaine.

Lerone Vincent from Nutfield Road was stopped in his car by police in Croydon last October, who searched the vehicle and found the incriminating items.

Vincent, 23, of Thornton Heath. Image: Met Police.

Vincent was arrested at the scene and charged the following day with the drugs and firearms offences.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Monday, 19 January, where he pleaded guilty to all four offences.

Detective Constable Troy Benn, from the Met’s Trident Gang Crime Command, who investigated the case, said:

This result came about from the good work of the Safer Transport officers who spotted Vincent acting suspiciously as he was driving his car. When they pulled up behind him, he sped off and no-doubt tried to lose them, but he was caught and a dangerous drug dealer has now been taken off the streets because of it.

We will now be carrying out a financial investigation into Vincent and we’ll be applying for a confiscation order for any assets we believe he has gained as a result of his drug dealing.