The police found bullet holes in a car the day after residents in a Luton street heard shots being fired.
Officers had been called to Ravenhill Way on the evening March 23, 2020, but could find nothing.
But when they returned in daylight they saw the black VW Golf with bullet holes in the side, St Albans Crown Court heard on Wednesday, October 27, 2021.
Prosecutor Peter Shaw said the car was searched and wraps of suspected Class A drugs were found, along with a knuckle-duster and a card with phone numbers written on it.
The car was registered to to Nikkil Lama’s address in Tomlinson Avenue in Luton where they discovered more class A drugs and cannabis.
Forensic analysis showed Lama’s DNA on one of the packages and his fingerprints on the card. The crack, cocaine, heroin and cannabis had a total street value of around £2,000. Drug dealing scales and £55 in cash was also found in the address.
When questioned he told the police he had been asked to keep the drugs by his dealer. He said had not been in the car for several weeks and had sold it.
Lama, now 23, of Tomlinson Avenue, Luton appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, crack, heroin and cannabis with intent to supply.
He had five convictions for 10 offences. In May this year he was jailed at Reading Crown Court for three years and 10 months for burglary.
Defending, Greg Krieger said: “His descent into cocaine abuse appears to be the root of his offending.
“His addiction was costing up to £200 in one session. It overtook his ability to pay for it.”
He said Lama, who had worked in the kitchens at Northwick Park Hospital and as a supermarket deliver driver, became caught in a cycle of “debt bondage.”
“He was forced to hold drugs for onward supply and supply small amount to recreational users. There is no evidence he made significant profit, “ he said.
Mr Krieger said Lama had found prison a welcome release from drug use and he had changed his outlook.
The barrister criticised the 20 months it had taken for the case to come to court.
He said: “It is unclear why there has been such a significant delay. All the scientific analysis had been completed by October 2020.”
Judge Michael Kay QC jailed him for two years, saying it must be served after he has completed the Reading sentence.
He told him: “It was street dealing, but you weren’t right at the bottom of the chain. You were entrusted with £2,000 worth of drugs.”
