Cafe Owner Jailed for Possessing Firearms and Cocaine in Wolverhampton

A Wolverhampton café owner has been sentenced to over five years in prison after police uncovered firearms, ammunition, and cocaine worth thousands of pounds during a raid on his business.

Jagtar Dhinsay, 50, from Oaklands, Wombourne, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, 15 November, where he was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing two prohibited firearms, three counts of possessing ammunition without a certificate, and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The charges stemmed from a police operation at Dhinsay’s business, Top Nosh Café, located on Hampton Walk, on 14 August. Acting on community intelligence, officers from Wolverhampton’s Priority Crime Team executed a warrant at the premises. During the search, they seized a self-loading pistol, a revolver, 43 cartridges, and 96.65 grams of cocaine, estimated to have a street value of up to £4,200. A significant amount of cash was also recovered.

Dhinsay handed himself into police the following day and was subsequently arrested.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Carla Logan of the Complex Investigation Team commented:

“Firearms and drugs play a significant role in criminality on our streets. It persistently erodes communities, ruining lives and blighting neighborhoods. We hope this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activity.”

The operation formed part of West Midlands Police’s ongoing Operation Target, an initiative focused on tackling serious and organised crime. As part of the campaign, officers rely on local intelligence, execute warrants, seize illegal goods, and apprehend offenders to address the root causes of violence and criminality in communities.

Photographs released by police show the firearms and ammunition seized during the raid.

ACCESS TO THE LAW: Understanding the Crime and Sentencing

As part of our campaign to improve citizens’ access and understanding of UK Criminal law, we will be explaining the relevant UK legislation surrounding any case law relevant to our articles:

This case highlights the severe legal consequences for possessing firearms and controlled substances with intent to supply under UK law.

Firearms Offences

The possession of prohibited firearms, such as those found in this case, is governed by the Firearms Act 1968. Under Section 5 of the Act, possessing certain types of firearms, including self-loading pistols and revolvers, is illegal without explicit authority. Possession of ammunition without a certificate is also a serious offence under the same legislation.