A British-Nigerian gang leader, Enoch Odubanjo, who exploited vulnerable individuals to distribute class A drugs in Southend, has been sen...
A British-Nigerian gang leader, Enoch Odubanjo, who exploited vulnerable individuals to distribute class A drugs in Southend, has been sentenced to prison in the United Kingdom.
Essex Police, in a statement released on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, revealed that 26-year-old Odubanjo was sentenced to seven years at Basildon Crown Court on January 14. He was arrested and charged with involvement in the supply of drugs.
This follows the shutdown of the "Ace" and "Max" drug lines, which operated in Southend between August and November 2023. Investigators identified Odubanjo as the mastermind behind these operations, noting his significant role in transporting drugs and runners between London and Southend using vehicles registered or leased in his name.
Odubanjo, who lived on Egmont Street, New Cross Gate, London, was found to have exploited vulnerable people to carry out his operations.
The court heard that Odubanjo had anticipated significant profits from his activities, even planning to rent a £2,000-a-month apartment, though this did not come to fruition.
Temporary Detective Inspector Rob Maile of Operation Raptor South commented: "The reality of dealing Class A drugs isn’t glamorous and doesn’t guarantee wealth or status. The judge in this case noted that the rewards for Odubanjo were perhaps not as high as he had hoped.
"Instead of making a profit, he will now serve several years behind bars. Dealing drugs is a dangerous and risky business that carries significant prison sentences.
"We take a tough stance on drug supply because of the wider harm it causes. In Essex, this trade fuels the majority of serious violent incidents we encounter.
"Our message to the community in Southend and Essex is to report any drug activity you see. Even if you don’t see immediate action, your reports help us build strong cases against dealers like Odubanjo.”
The investigation also uncovered messages advertising crack cocaine and heroin to users in Southend.
Odubanjo had recruited Leanne Callaghan, 43, from Catford, London, who was captured on CCTV in October 2023 conducting a drug deal in Southend. The "Max" line had reportedly sent bulk advertising messages to nearly 100 individuals.
Callaghan, who was struggling with drug addiction and health issues, was said to have been coerced into participating. She received a 21-month suspended sentence at the same court, along with a rehabilitation activity requirement, after admitting her involvement in three instances of drug operations.
Odubanjo, found guilty on both charges after a trial, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
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