Wellingborough man jailed for nine years for gun and drug offences

Tariq Finley, 23, appeared before Northampton Crown Court on Friday (July 8) where he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Officers from Operation Worcester, a police drive to tackle drugs and firearms offences in Wellingborough and East Northants, searched a property in Nest Farm Crescent in January following the arrest of Finley.

During the search officers found a loaded revolver, heroin and crack cocaine which were intended to be distributed on to the streets of Wellingborough.

Finley also pleaded guilty to possession of a knife following an incident that took place at Kettering Train Station in August 2015.

Detective Inspector Lee McBride from Operation Worcester said: “We have had a number of significant successes in combatting firearms and drug offences in Wellingborough and I welcome the sentence handed down on Friday.

“This is a significant sentence and shows that dangerous individuals who choose to illegally arm themselves with firearms will be targeted and when arrested for these offences will be severely punished by the courts.

“We need the public’s help in tackling this issue.

“We need people to tell us, or Crimestoppers, about what is happening.

“Small pieces of information can be joined up to allow us to take positive action.

“If you want to talk to police about any concerns of information you may have, no matter how small, call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

As well as investigating and arresting people believed to be involved in drug-related violence, police officers are also working closely with partner agencies to provide long-term solutions to the issues affecting people living in Wellingborough and East Northants.

Pratima Dattani, chairman of the Wellingborough Safer Stronger Partnership, which has been established to help provide long-term solutions in the town, said: “Our partnership brings together more than 20 agencies with the aim of making our town safer and help communities feel proud to live and work there.

“We have organised a community fun day which will be taking place at the Hemmingwell Community and Skills Centre in Nest Farm Crescent between midday and 4pm this Saturday, and hope local people will come and enjoy the many activities we have taking place.”