Hackney Drug Dealer Sentenced to 45 Months After Police Uncover Lavish Lifestyle
A Hackney drug dealer has been jailed for 45 months after police discovered his extravagant three-storey house was "inconsistent with his known legitimate income", exposing a lucrative drug operation that earned him approximately £80,000.
Initial Arrest and Investigation
Daniel Ikumelo, 35, was first apprehended on October 9, 2025, when officers noticed suspicious activity in an alleyway in Waltham Abbey. Following this stop, police conducted a search of Ikumelo and his vehicle, uncovering:
- Heroin and crack cocaine
- £300 in cash
- Digital scales and a burner phone
- A lock knife and other drug paraphernalia
This initial discovery led to a more extensive investigation into Ikumelo's activities.
Substantial Seizure at Barking Riverside Property
A subsequent search of a three-storey house in Barking Riverside, linked to Ikumelo, revealed a significant haul of illegal items, including:
- Additional quantities of heroin and crack cocaine
- £25,000 in cash and a £5,500 diamond ring
- Various pieces of jewellery and more digital scales
- Three passports in Ikumelo's name, bank cards, and two burner phones
- A black flick knife
The total confiscation amounted to £40,000 worth of drugs, cash, and jewellery, highlighting the scale of Ikumelo's illicit enterprise.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Ikumelo was convicted on November 7, 2025, on multiple charges, including:
- Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin
- Possession of criminally gained cash
- Possession of a lock knife in a public place
Two counts of possession of drugs with intent to supply were ordered to lie on file. Following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Ikumelo was sentenced to 45 months in prison on February 2, 2026.
Police Commentary on the Case
Investigating officer PC James Shram emphasized the commitment of Essex Police to combating organized crime. "Organised crime groups have no place in Essex," he stated. "We're working hard to track down their members, arrest them, and ensure they face consequences for their crimes."
Shram added, "Ikumelo thought he was making a comfortable lifestyle through selling drugs but now faces the complete opposite in prison." He also highlighted the effectiveness of stop-and-search powers in preventing and investigating criminal activities, noting that such measures are used when there is reason to believe someone is in possession of drugs, weapons, or stolen property.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle drug networks and address the societal impacts of drug dealing, particularly in London and Essex.
