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premises at licensing sub-committee meeting - a decision which was subsequently upheld meaning the premises' licence was revoked.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."

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.