Off Licence Owner Jailed For Drugs & Firearms Offences

Tuesday, 28 June 2016 11:02

An off licence owner who used his shop to store a firearm and drugs has been jailed for seven and a half years.

Mohammud Chowdari, 30 of Forty Lane, Wembley was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court after pleading guilty to numerous drugs and firearms offences at a previous hearing in early January.

The court heard how officers in Ealing had gathered intelligence that Chowdari was using his premises - Grapvines off licence in Churchfield Road, Acton - to store and supply drugs.

A warrant was obtained and officers raided the premises on 27 November 2015. On searching the premises they found large quantities of cannabis and cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £150,000, as well as £180,000 in cash. Officers also discovered a shotgun, ammunition and canisters of CS gas.

Chowdari, who was present while officers executed the warrant, was immediately arrested and taken into custody.

While he was interviewed about what officers' had discovered, work began to close down the venue which was blatantly being used for criminality.

Within 48-hours, officers had successfully sought a suspension of the licence for the premises at licensing sub-committee meeting - a decision which was subsequently upheld meaning the premises' licence was revoked.

Inspector Gareth Winnard, from Ealing Borough, said:

"This conviction began with intelligence received from the local community about drug dealing and associated criminality that was having an adverse effect on their lives. I hope Chowdari's conviction shows that we will act upon intelligence provided."

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