A drug dealer has been jailed for three years following an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Southampton.

Officers carrying out patrols in St Mary’s as part of the Building a Brighter Future initiative witnessed suspected drug dealing outside an address on Argyle Road. Their observations led officers to enter the property and carry out a search.

The court heard that upon entering the address, officers encountered Rahman Hotak, 24, of Argyle Road, Southampton, who immediately attempted to destroy evidence by flushing items down a toilet. Despite his efforts, officers intervened and recovered gloves and suspected Class A drugs before they could be disposed of.

A wider search of the property revealed it was being used as a base for a drugs line operating in Southampton. Officers seized multiple mobile phones, more than £500 in cash, and drug paraphernalia including weighing scales, as well as an estimated £1,200 worth of heroin and £3,600 worth crack cocaine.

Hotak was subsequently charged and later pleaded guilty to:

• Possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely heroin
• Possession with intent to supply a Class A controlled drug, namely cocaine

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court yesterday (28 September), Hotak was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Alongside his time behind bars, the court also made a forfeiture order in respect of the £532 seized during the investigation and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

PC Ryan Smith, of Southampton Custody Investigations Team, who led the investigation, 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, also of Southampton Custody Investigations Team, who led the investigation alongside PC Smith, said:

“This case demonstrates just part of the work being carried out through the Building a Brighter Future initiative, and what can be achieved through proactive policing and the dedication of officers committed to tackling drug-related offending.

“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.

“Our work in St Mary’s is far from over, and we will continue working alongside our partners and residents to prevent criminal activity, protect vulnerable people and make Southampton a safer place for everyone.”