A 22-year-old father from Lozells has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found inside a Cradley Heath property used as a drugs stash house.
Tashaun Bailey came under police suspicion during an operation looking for a separate wanted individual at a property on Timbertree Court, Valley Road, Cradley Heath. Officers noticed Bailey moving nervously back and forth at a window as the search unfolded.
Upon smelling cannabis, the police obtained entry to the property on 21 December last year, where they discovered a substantial cache of illegal drugs including a kilogram of crack cocaine concealed under a bed. Alongside the drugs, officers seized over £40,000 in cash and a Rolex watch stored in a safe which required forced entry.
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Bailey informed officers that a loaded firearm was also hidden under the bed. Following his disclosure, police recovered a live pistol loaded with six rounds, as well as additional ammunition found in a bag within the residence.
During a police interview, Bailey stated he did not live at the property and claimed the firearm, drugs, and valuables did not belong to him. He admitted feeling fearful and overwhelmed upon the police’s arrival, acknowledging a debt he owed and describing himself as acting under instructions from another individual whom police were seeking.
Bailey pleaded guilty to multiple offences including possession with intent to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine, cocaine, and heroin), possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of criminal property.
Defending counsel Brad Lawlor described Bailey’s role as primarily that of a custodian of the property, tasked with bagging the drugs. The defence noted Bailey had no previous convictions and had expressed sincere remorse.
At sentencing, Judge John Butterfield remarked that while Bailey was responsible for safeguarding the flat and its contents, his involvement was limited. Nevertheless, Bailey was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on 31 July.
The cocaine seized was valued between £26,000 and £30,000, with the heroin estimated at between £18,000 and £23,000.