Gambling addict caught with 12kg cannabis worth up to £66,000

POLICE found designer clothes including Moncler coats, Gucci trainers and Louboutin shoes when they raided the Nottingham home of a gambling addict who had more than 12kg of cannabis stashed there.

Other goods included names such as EA7, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, North Face and CP Company which were in boxes when officers attended the Sherwood address of dad-of-one Paul Rana Singh.

More than £9,000 in cash was also found along with cocaine and ecstasy.

The 41-year-old’s sentencing hearing was told he became embroiled in the criminal world due to spiralling gambling debts.

Jailing him for two-and-a-half years, Judge Steven Coupland said: “I am satisfied that the root of you becoming involved in drugs was your substantial gambling habit but you chose to get involved so you don’t need me to tell you this was particularly serious.

“It was a significant amount, of significant value, police found just over 12kg when they searched your property with an estimated value of just shy of £47,000. A considerable amount of designer clothing was also found bought, no doubt, from the money you made from the drugs.

“I have read that you are capable of staying out of trouble and the significant delay (in this coming to court) is not your fault.”

Alex Wolfson, prosecuting, said police executed a warrant at the defendant’s home address on December 23, 2020.

He said: “There, they discovered 12.27kg of cannabis which had an estimated value of between £47,000 and £66,000 depending on how it was being sold. Also £9,280 in cash was seized as well as a quantity of designer gear evidencing a lavish lifestyle. He was arrested and interviewed and gave a ‘no comment’ interview.”

Singh, of Hucknall Road, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis and possession of criminal property.

Patrick Williamson, mitigating, said his client’s 16-year-old son will be taking his GCSES this summer and being away from his father will have an impact on that.

He said: “Having looked at his antecedents, the court may be a little perplexed as to how a man comes to have such a considerable amount of cannabis and money at his address? The reason appears to be a gambling habit, primarily Gala Bingo. You will see statements showing wins taking his balance up and down from £30,000 to £6,000 down to hundreds of pounds and that shows how quickly debts can arise.”