Braintree: Drug dealer arrested by sharp-eyed neighbourhood officers is jailed

A drug dealer arrested by Braintree neighbourhood policing officers after they spotted him acting suspiciously has been jailed.

Difrim Metalliri, 35, of Beckets View, Northampton, was jailed for one year and 10 months when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He had previously admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

The court heard that the neighbourhood officers had spotted a vehicle acting suspiciously in Coggeshall Road, Braintree, on 20 August 2025. They caught up with it in Stisted and promptly arrested Metalliri.

Subsequent police searches led to the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine and some cannabis.

Inspector Phil Jackson, of Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team, said after the court hearing on 13 November:

“This arrest is a great example of our officers noticing something that was out of place while out on patrol and acting on instinct.
“Drugs damage our neighbourhoods in all sorts of ways and we take a dim view of anyone coming here to deal drugs and causing harm to our communities.”

The court also made several orders: for Metalliri to forfeit £450 cash seized; for the destruction of drugs seized; and for Metalliri to be deprived of a car, a phone and a bank card.

A second charge of possession with intent to supply cannabis was ordered to lie on file.

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