A drug dealer from Merton has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years after he was found to be in possession of a loaded shotgun.

Billy Sturgeon of Wandle Road, Merton, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, March 22.

The 20-year-old admitted to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence; three counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs; one count of possession of criminal property; and possession of a firearm (a Taser).

On June 20, 2022, Sturgeon’s home was searched after police received information that he had been dealing drugs.

As they entered the house, they saw Sturgeon throw several items from a loft window which were seized and discovered to contain class A drugs.

Sturgeon was arrested and officers searched the property and found a lot class A drugs wrapped in broken carrier bags, cling film and snap bags, as well as paraphernalia including weighing scales, a burner phone and nearly £3,000 cash.

The estimated street value of the drugs seized, including cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, was estimated to be almost £20,000.

Police found messages from people placing orders for drugs on the burner phone.

In a spare bedroom, a loaded shotgun was found with two cartridges inside along with a Taser which was on top of a chest of drawers near the front door.

These were seized for specialist examination and will be destroyed.

During police interview, Sturgeon gave no comment to officers.

He was charged and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Leah Brough, Specialist Crime (Trident), said: “The weight of evidence against Sturgeon left him with no choice but to plead guilty.

“The estimated street value of the drugs seized – including cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin – was nearly £20,000. On examination of the burner phone, police found an array of messages from people placing orders for drugs.

“The shotgun and Taser were seized for specialist examination and will be destroyed.

“They are clear proof of the inextricable link between drugs and the violence that blights communities and destroys lives.

“The cash was also ordered for forfeiture.

“We are doing everything in our power to investigate and bring offenders to justice.

“Anyone who engages in similar activity can look at this story and be assured that they too could find themselves in prison.”