Coerced, Exploited, and Almost Jailed for Possession with Intent to Supply – Until We Stepped In

When police raided Mr D’s property, they believed they had uncovered a drug den in full operation. As one man attempted to flee, officers found Mr D in his room alongside various illegal substances and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with three counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

During his police interview, however, a deeper story emerged. Mr D admitted to being a crack cocaine user but denied any involvement with the gang using his home. He explained that he had been forced under threat of violence to allow others to use his room for drug storage and packaging. He was not paid, did not know their names, and had no choice. The potential consequences of the possession with intent to supply charges were life-changing. A single conviction can result in up to 16 years in custody, and with three counts hanging over him, Mr D – in his sixties – faced the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars.

Recognising the gravity of the case, our dedicated defence solicitors fought to have Mr D recognised as a victim of modern slavery rather than a criminal. We engaged an expert in criminal exploitation and human trafficking to provide evidence. His testimony painted a clear picture of Mr D’s tragic circumstances: an abusive childhood, time in care, lack of education, adult struggles with addiction, homelessness, and isolation from support systems. These vulnerabilities made him a target for exploitation by organised gangs. The expert confirmed that Mr D was coerced through threats, shown weapons, and even assaulted when he refused to comply. This was not a man running a drug den – he was an exploited victim.

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) concluded that there were conclusive grounds to accept that Mr D had been a victim of modern slavery, exploited for criminal activity. With this evidence, our drug offence solicitors submitted formal representations to the CPS. After careful review, the prosecution agreed to offer no evidence on all counts. The judge accepted that Mr D had been exploited by the gang and should not face prosecution.

This outcome spared Mr D from a potentially devastating sentence. His case highlights the importance of having experienced criminal law solicitors in London who understand the overlap between drug charges and modern slavery exploitation. Without proactive representation, Mr D could easily have been treated as just another defendant in a possession with intent to supply case. Instead, our skilled defence solicitors ensured that the court recognised his victimhood and the coercion he endured. No one should face years in prison for crimes they were forced to commit.

If you or someone you know is facing allegations of possession with intent to supply, or if there are signs of exploitation being overlooked, contact our team of expert drug offence solicitors. Our trusted criminal law solicitors in London will work tirelessly to uncover the truth and fight for justice in even the most complex cases.