Two men sentenced after police find hundreds of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin

Two men have been sentenced after officers investigating drug supply recovered hundreds of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin.

During four separate incidents between October 2025 and April 2026, officers carrying out proactive patrols in the area arrested Nelson Ewane and Francis Okereke after witnessing suspected drug dealing. Across the investigations, officers recovered more than 300 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of £2,350 along with cash, mobile phones and weapons.

The court heard that in October 2025, officers witnessed an exchange between Ewane and another man at the junction of St Mary's Street and Winton Street in Southampton. After detaining the 32-year-old, officers took him into custody where a strip search revealed he was attempting to conceal 114 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin inside his underwear. Officers also seized £230 in cash.

This was not the last time Ewane came to the attention of police, as despite being subject to bail conditions prohibiting him from entering St Mary's, he was arrested again in December 2025 after officers spotted him in the Golden Grove area. A search uncovered a further 30 wraps of crack cocaine.

In a separate incident in November 2025, officers witnessed Okereke carrying out suspected hand-to-hand drug deals with a group gathered in Ascupart Street. When officers moved in to detain him, he attempted to discard evidence. However, officers quickly located a sandwich bag nearby containing around 70 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin. He was also found to be carrying approximately £300 in cash.

The investigation culminated in April 2026 when officers observed Ewane and Okereke together in a known drug hotspot in St Mary's. After stopping the men, Ewane was found carrying £270 in cash, two mobile phones and a lock knife. He was subsequently taken into custody, where a search revealed he was once again attempting to conceal Class A drugs, with officers recovering 30 wraps hidden inside his underwear.

Okereke was also searched and found in possession of six wraps of crack cocaine and heroin.

Nelson Ewane, 32, of Chafen Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - Crack Cocaine, two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - Heroine, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Francis Okereke, 19, of Anson Drive, Southampton, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - Crack Cocaine and two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A - Heroin.

Both men were sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 30 July. Ewane was jailed for four years and one month, while Okereke received a three-year suspended sentence, with two years' probation supervision, a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Police Staff Investigator Mollie Spratt, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased to see both Ewane and Okereke sentenced for their offending. Despite repeated attempts to conceal drugs, dispose of evidence and continue offending in St Mary's, officers remained relentless in their efforts to gather evidence, build a case and bring them before the court.

"Building a Brighter Future is about working alongside our partners to address the issues that matter most to local people. We will continue to identify and disrupt those involved in drug-related activity and take action to make St Mary's a safer place for everyone who lives, works and visits the area."