Two sentenced for drug supply offences

TWO men have been sentenced for drug supply offences in Reading, following a Thames Valley Police investigation.

Daniel Smith, aged 39, of Carey Street, Reading, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, March 23.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin at the same court on Wednesday, January 5.

Lumko Nkanyuza, aged 29, of Westbrook Road, Croydon, was given a six-month conditional discharge at the same court on Wednesday, March 23.

Nkanyuza pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to supply the same drugs at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August

25, last year.

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, police found three bags of suspected class A drugs hidden in a brick wall in Anstey Road, Reading.

Following the seizure and related enquiries, Smith was arrested the same day on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The drugs were forensically examined and were found to be 201 wraps of heroin and 494 wraps of crack cocaine, with a total value of around £9,000.

The forensic examination linked Smith and Nkanyuza to the drugs packaging and they were charged on Saturday, July 24, 2021.

Investigating officer Inspector Iain Watkinson said: “This was a very large quantity of class A drugs that was found hidden in a public area.

“Taking this quantity of drugs off the streets would have made a dent in the ability of drug dealers to target vulnerable people on the streets of Reading.

“Thames Valley Police will always do its best to investigate matters such as this to protect those at risk and vulnerable in the communities we police.

“Through Stronghold, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation, such as county lines drug dealing.

“We continue to need the support of the public in this, and we would ask them to report any information that they have about drug dealing.

“This can be shared with Thames Valley Police on our website or by calling 101.”

“You can also report information anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”