A dealer who kept a rifle at his hidden drugs cell has been jailed for more than 12 years following a police swoop on a Coventry address.
Officers from the West Midlands Regional Crime Unit (ROCU ) executed a warrant at a property in Middleborough Road after acting on intelligence.
A search of the address on 30 October last year discovered a range of drugs including crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis in the bedroom.
There was also a shortened Webley rifle and ammunition discovered hidden in a bag in a chest of drawers in his bedroom.
Officers were able to link the address as being used by Jovani DaSilva for his illegal drugs operation.
DaSilva was convicted of possession of a firearm and having Class A and B drugs with intent to supply.
The 28-year-old, of Robin Hood Road, Coventry, was sentenced to 12 years and three months at Warwick Crown Court last Thursday (25 April).
Chief Inspector Paul Minor, from Coventry Police, said: “There is no place for drugs in our city and we have taken a supplier off our streets.
“We have all seen the harm and damage that drugs can cause in our communities and as a force we are determined to tackle this.
“We have also managed to seize a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands and this sentence should serve as a strong warning that criminal activity will not be tolerated in Coventry.”