A MAN from Bournemouth has been jailed for more than four years for drug dealing and money laundering. 

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, September 8, Kai Chalwell of Gervis Road was sentenced to 40 months in prison for dealing class A and class B drugs and money laundering. 

The 21 year-old was given a further 11 months in prison for breaching a previous suspended sentence. 

He had previously pleaded guilty to the offences on Thursday, May 6, at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The offences relate to a period of several months between March 2020 and March 2021, during which time he was arrested on four occasions.

During the arrests and related searches at his home address a total of £3,420 of cash and numerous mobile phones were seized. On the most recent arrest in March 2021, whilst he was on crown court bail, a quantity of class A drugs was also located at his address.

The evidence obtained from the devices linked Chalwell to the supply of drugs. Also, conversations were recovered that showed that he was instrumental in the tasking of young people, one just 14 years of age, to assist in his drug dealing activity. 

In one conversation with a 16-year-old boy Chalwell directed the individual to a stash site and then sent him details of customers who would be attending. The use of juveniles in this manner was taken into account as an aggravating feature of his offending.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police, said: “Our investigation covered offences committed over a number of months, acting on intelligence received from members of the public as well as proactive activity by our officers.

“I hope this shows that we will act upon concerns and information received from our communities.

“The evidence we were able to collate built a complex picture of how the drugs supply was being conducted and we are determined to disrupt any such activity in our area.

“As part of our wider investigation we were also able to identify some young people who had been drawn into this world of drug supply. We are especially committed to preventing and disrupting the exploitation of young people and will actively look to prosecute those who prey on some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

"Dorset Police’s Integrated Missing Person and Child Exploitation Team is working closely with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's Complex Safeguarding Team in an effort to ensure the safeguarding of young people."

Councillor Mike White, BCP Council portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “We welcome the decision of the court and I hope that this sentencing gives out a clear message that tough action will be taken with drug dealers.

"Strong partnership working between children’s social care and the police, as well as support and information from our local communities, has resulted in us protecting vulnerable young people. Tackling child exploitation is and will continue to be a key priority for us and our partners.”

Many investigations rely on members of our local communities providing information and intelligence in relation to suspected drug related activity and exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The police urge anyone who has information to report it online at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.