A MAN and a woman have been sentenced to prison for drug dealing following their arrest in Northolt.

On May 28 2020, officers entered the Grand Union Canal path in Northolt and detained two individuals suspected of dealing drugs to local users.

Herbert Blaize, 56, of no fixed abode and Natalie Brooks, 50, of Woodlands Road, Southall, were subjected to a section 23 misuse of drugs search.

Brooks was found to have heroin and a large quantity of cash on her person.

Officers also located 19 packages (7.3g) of heroin and 20 packages of crack cocaine (4.1g) that was hidden up a tree and ready to be sold to users.

Both individuals were arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The Drugs Focus Desk (DFD) downloaded their mobile phones and this revealed contact with known drugs users in Northolt.

Both denied dealing and alleged they didn't know that the drugs were present, and were subsequently charged and remanded in custody until trial.

Blaize decided to plead guilty, whereas Brooks continued to deny her involvement stating that she had only gone for a walk and the evidence was circumstantial.

The jury found her guilty of all offences and on April 23 Blaize was sentenced to two years in prison, while Brooks was sentenced to two years and three months.

PC Self of the Violence Suppression Unit (VSU) said: "In this case the VSU acted on intelligence and alongside our partners in the DFD carried out an effective operation to bring about their arrest and subsequent convictions.

"Due to the professional management of the investigation by the VSU and the DFD, we could prove to the court, beyond reasonable doubt, that Blaize and Brooks preyed on the most vulnerable members of society by selling them deadly drugs on behalf of a violent street gang.

"The fact that Blaize was forced to go guilty shows the strength of evidence collated by both teams against these offenders.

"The VSU is absolutely committed to tackle the scourge of drug related violence on the streets of London and will continue to punish those involved in this deadly industry."