North London man brought loaded gun to probation appointment but claimed ‘that’s not mine’

He was on probation for selling drugs in Essex

A drill rapper from Edmonton, in North London, brought a loaded gun to a probation appointment. Noble Nwokocha, 24, aka ‘Drilla’ from the 3×3 drill group, was on licence from prison after being caught selling heroin and cocaine in Essex in 2023.

Police arrested him during his meeting in connection with an investigation into alleged drug supply and child criminal exploitation offences. During the stop, they found a converted blank-firing revolver inside his coat.

“That’s not mine,” he protested, but police were having none of it. He was charged with a number of offences, including possession of a firearm, which he later admitted to.

Nwokocha said he had the weapon after being forced to hold it by gang associates and said he had intended to hand it in when he attended the probation office.

He said he was approached by the gang while sleeping in the communal toilets of a park in London, alleging that they threatened to stab him if he did not take the gun and find a place to hide it. That basis was not accepted by the prosecution but was not opposed for sentencing purposes.

Nwokocha was sentenced to four years and eight months behind bars.

DS Jon Kemp, of Operation Raptor, said: “Those involved in drug-related crime and associated weapons offending know Essex is a very risky place for them to operate. Operation Raptor remains relentless in identifying and targeting those involved in county lines activity, and this marked the second time Essex Police had taken action against Nwokocha for serious criminality.

“Following his previous conviction, he had an opportunity to move away from crime. Instead, he continued to associate himself with individuals and activity linked to drug dealing, violence and weapons offending.

“Nwokocha chose to project an image associated with weapons, criminality and status. The reality that emerged through these proceedings was very different and far from glamourous.

“The image often portrayed through music videos and social media is far removed from the reality we encounter as police officers. The reality is arrest, imprisonment, exploitation, violence and the loss of freedom.

“Even after release from prison, offenders remain subject to licence conditions and continued scrutiny. This case demonstrates that those who choose to become involved in organised criminality can expect to face serious consequences, and we will continue to pursue those who bring drugs, violence and weapons into our communities.”

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