Southend 60-year-old drug dealer jailed for four years

Mark Disney was arrested after police seized more than £1,000 in cash, bags of cannabis and 231g of cocaine with an estimated street value of around £24,000.

60-year-old Mark Disney was sentenced to 48 months in prison (Image: Essex Police)Police noted while at the property, Disney’s phone was receiving constant incoming calls from unsaved numbers. Four people, believed to have been potential customers of Disney, turned up at the door while the search was ongoing.

Officers with Southend’s Community Policing Team had been cracking down on drug dealing and anti-social behaviour at a block of flats in Sutton Road when they received reports from concerned members of the community.

Their investigation culminated with a raid on the property on March 24 this year. A three-month closure order was placed on the home at the time which prevented further criminal activity from taking place.

Disney was detained alongside 56-year-old Lisa McRae.

Disney had over £1000 cash (Image: Essex Police) Disney went on to admit possession with intent to supply controlled drugs of Class A at Basildon Crown Court last Monday where he was jailed for 48 months.

McRae admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and was sentenced to an 18-month community order with conditions attached to complete rehabilitation activity and alcohol treatment requirements.

PC Amelia Thorne, officer in the case, said: “This operation, which was led and conducted entirely by community policing officers, resulted in the removal of a large quantity of drugs from the streets of Southend.

“Our actions in executing a carefully timed warrant at the address ensured we could secure evidence and leave Disney with little room for manoeuvre. He was left with no choice but to admit to his actions.

“He was brazenly dealing harmful substances from his flat and we were absolutely aware of the numerous issues this was causing for the decent, law-abiding community in Southend.

Police discovered cannabis, cocaine and cash (Image: Essex Police) Martin Terry, Southend councillor for community safety, said: “This operation shows how important partnership working is to stop drug dealing and the anti-social behaviour that harms our communities.

“By working together with the police, South Essex Homes, and Southend Council, we’ve tackled the issues caused at this property, which were making life difficult for residents and affecting their safety.

“The sentencing of Mark Disney to four years in prison underscores our commitment to addressing these problems. Getting the closure order was a big step in keeping our communities safe. I urge residents to report any concerns knowing we will take action.”