Bedford drug dealer jailed

A Bedford man has been sentenced to more than five years imprisonment after a police stop led officers to discover more than £3,000 worth of Class A drugs strapped to his leg.

Whilst on a routine patrol in Kent Avenue, Bedford, in September 2024, officers noticed a vehicle driving dangerously.

Despite officers turning on their sirens and indicating for the vehicle to stop, the driver, Joseph Gbonda, continued driving erratically, before he was forced to stop when his tyre burst after he hit a kerb.

Whilst detaining the 38-year-old, officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol as well as drugs paraphernalia in the passenger side footwell. Gbonda was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink driving and failing to stop. A search of his vehicle also located more than £2,000 in cash.

Following concerns that he may have attempted to conceal drugs by swallowing them, Gbonda was taken to hospital for treatment.

Whilst at hospital, officers located a bag of 23 individual drug wraps inside his trousers strapped to his leg and he was further arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The substances were later analysed and found to be cocaine and heroin worth more than £3,300.

Gbonda’s mobile phone was also seized and examined by detectives where numerous messages revealed his drug dealing enterprise.

On Friday (3 January), Gbonda of Walcourt Road, Kempston was sentenced to a total of five years and nine months for failure to stop, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and being in possession of a Class B drug. He will also be disqualified from driving for two years.

Detective Constable Nema Behzadi from the force’s Boson Guns and Gangs unit, said: “Last year, the force brought about more than 620 charges against individuals fuelling the illegal drugs trade across our county. Our focus on tackling this crime type remains the same this year.

“Through targeted enforcement, media campaigns and work in education settings, we’re committed to tackling the possession and supply of drugs while ensuring young people are aware of the dangers and consequences of being involved in such activity.

“We continue to ask the community to raise the alarm when they see things that aren’t right. Your information is what guides our activity and reaps these great results.”

Anyone with concerns about drug dealing can report online 

Alternatively, you can report information to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.