On April 20, 2022, officers stopped drug courier Russell Dendle while he was transporting cocaine.
Dendle was driving a blue Ford Focus on the M25 near the Dartford River Crossing when the stop came too soon.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers discovered 6kg of cocaine in the boot.
Dendle, of Abbey Close in Hullbridge, was arrested on suspicion of drug offences as a result of the discovery.
Officers from our Serious and Organized Crime Unit then conducted digital work that confirmed Dendle had knowledge of the drugs he had in his possession, and we were able to prove he was acting as a courier.
When the drugs were inspected, it was discovered that they had a street value of around £600,000.
Dendle was then charged with possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
The following day, he appeared in Southend Magistrates’ Court and admitted the charges.
The 30-year-old, who claimed to have no income but had two summer vacations planned to Spain and Mexico, was sentenced to four years in prison yesterday at Southend Crown Court.
Serious and Organized Crime Unit Detective Inspector Yoni Adler stated:
These drugs, worth £600,000, were destined for the streets of Essex.
However, thanks to the team’s efforts, they were apprehended and prevented from being used to harm and exploit vulnerable people in our communities.
Dendle will now spend time in prison as a result of his efforts, and the drugs he was transporting will be destroyed.
The message is clear: if you intend to supply drugs in Essex or into Essex, you will be apprehended and punished.
