Cafe Owner Jailed for Possessing Firearms and Cocaine in Wolverhampton

Jagtar Dhinsay, 50, from Oaklands, Wombourne, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, 15 November, where he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing two prohibited firearms, three counts of possessing ammunition without a certificate, and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The charges stemmed from a police operation at Dhinsay’s business, Top Nosh Café, located on Hampton Walk, on 14 August. Acting on community intelligence, officers from Wolverhampton’s Priority Crime Team executed a warrant at the premises. During the search, they seized a self-loading pistol, a revolver, 43 cartridges, and 96.65 grams of cocaine, estimated to have a street value of up to £4,200. A significant amount of cash was also recovered.

Dhinsay handed himself into police the following day and was subsequently arrested.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Carla Logan of the Complex Investigation Team commented:

“Firearms and drugs play a significant role in criminality on our streets. It persistently erodes communities, ruining lives and blighting neighborhoods. We hope this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activity.”

The operation formed part of West Midlands Police’s ongoing Operation Target, an initiative focused on tackling serious and organised crime. As part of the campaign, officers rely on local intelligence, execute warrants, seize illegal goods, and apprehend offenders to address the root causes of violence and criminality in communities.

Photographs released by police show the firearms and ammunition seized during the raid.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

This case highlights the severe legal consequences for possessing firearms and controlled substances with intent to supply under UK law.

Firearms Offences

The possession of prohibited firearms, such as those found in this case, is governed by the Firearms Act 1968. Under Section 5 of the Act, possessing certain types of firearms, including self-loading pistols and revolvers, is illegal without explicit authority. Possession of ammunition without a certificate is also a serious offence under the same legislation.

Convictions for possessing prohibited firearms typically carry a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’ imprisonment for adults, reflecting the potential danger such weapons pose to public safety.

Drug Offences

The possession of cocaine with intent to supply is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Cocaine is classified as a Class A drug, the most serious category, with offences involving Class A substances often attracting substantial custodial sentences.

Sentencing for drug offences depends on various factors, including the quantity of drugs involved, the offender’s role (e.g., user, courier, or dealer), and any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. Possession with intent to supply can lead to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine, though sentences typically reflect the specifics of the case, such as in this instance where the quantity of drugs and the presence of firearms were taken into account.

The Importance of Local Intelligence

This case also underscores the role of community intelligence in assisting law enforcement. Police rely on information from the public to identify and tackle organised crime, including the illegal possession of firearms and drugs.

Through robust legislation and community cooperation, the UK justice system seeks to combat the harm caused by such crimes, ensuring that offenders face significant legal penalties for their actions.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.