A drug dealer was exposed when police executed a warrant at his home address in search of stolen motorcycles.
McKenzie France, aged 23, was at home in bed when officers forced entry to his property on 29 August 2023 and found a stash of cocaine, ketamine and MDMA hidden under a mattress.
He and friend Callum Arboine had been linked to a series of motorcycle thefts across the country – in Northumbria, Swindon, Chesterfield, Staffordshire, Sherwood and Beeston.
Each had been stolen after being listed for sale on the internet.
Evidence included finger prints, CCTV footage and a distinctive jacket later recovered from Arboine’s address.
One of the stolen bikes was also discovered in France’s garage.
Damning map data was also recovered from Arboine’s mobile phone, showing he had researched the location of one of the stolen bikes.
France, of North Gate, Nottingham, later pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal motor vehicles.
Arboine, aged 27, of Ridgedale View, Ripley, also pleaded guilty to the same offence.
France additionally admitted two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, and one count of possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply.
France also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after an incident while on bail on 26 November 2024.
On that occasion, he drove at excessive speed through Bulwell after failing to stop for officers – passing through red lights before crashing into a stationary car.
After attempting to flee on foot, he was eventually detained by pursuing officers when his tracksuit bottoms fell down around his legs, causing him to trip and fall.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday 18 November, France was jailed for a total of five years. Arboine was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
PC Emily Mitchell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“France’s drug dealing may well have gone under the radar had we not been led to his home address by an investigation into stolen motorcycles.
“Once through the door we carried out a lawful search and found a significant quantity of drugs destined for onward sale.
“I am pleased he has now been sentenced – along with his co-conspirator – and hope he will use his time in custody to re-examine his life choices.”
