Leading Polish gang member dealing drugs across Peterborough jailed after arsenal of weapons discovered at his home

Wojciech Sztulc (36) was found with thousands of pounds worth of cash and drugs at his home in Forrest Drive, Peterborough, along with four hand guns, a stun gun, ammo and silencers for the weapons.

He lived the life of luxury, with high end cars and a jet ski at his home.

But police were able to bring him to justice after a detailed surveillance operation.

He appeared at Peterborough Crown Court today (Friday) where he was jailed for 14-and-a-half years after admitting a string of offences. The court was also told he was wanted in his native Poland.

He was caught selling liquid amphetamine valued at up to £121,000 and also had more than 1.5kg of cocaine in his flat.

Police found £28,000 in cash in his car boot, and the weapons in a drain under toys.

Sarah Parker, prosecuting, said the Polish organised crime gang ad a ‘monopoloy’ in Peterborough for dealing in whatever drugs were available.

She said: “He lived a lavish, cash rich lifestyle.”

The court heard surveillance operations focused on a number of vehicles, including Sztulc’s white VW Toureg, which was seen on May 9 in Peterborough first meeting with a BMW, and then with a Lexus.

The Lexus was stopped by police, and 1,960ml of liquid amphetamine was found, with a 74 per cent purity. Miss Parker said the drugs were valued at between £40,000 and £120,000.

He was arrested when police raided his home on August 13.

Miss Parker said; “It is a substantial property, covered in CCTV, and with high end cars in the garage, including a Mercedes and a Maserati, along with a jet ski and the VW.

“In the boot of the VW police found £28,000 in cash, and a number of identity documents, made out in different names, all with Sztulc’s photo on.

They also found more than 1.5 kilos of import quality cocaine, with a purity of between 74 and 82 per cent.”

Further searches led police to a drain cover hidden under children’s toys, where weapons and ammunition were found.

Two Makarov self loading pistols, with magazines, were uncovered, along with a pistol, a revolver, a stun gun, a silencer and ammunition.

When he was arrested, he answered no comment in interview.

He later pleaded guilty to 12 offences.

Nneka Akudolu, defending, said Sztulc had been running a legitimate car sales business, and any prison sentence would impact his wife and two young sons.

But Judge Matthew Lowe, sentencing, said Sztulc had been greedy.

He said: “You were, for a period of time, at the heart of an organised crime group. A group which not only supplied class A drugs, but also in the provision of weapons - lethal weapons.

“One only has to look at the quantity of drugs seized in this case, and the number of firearms seized, to see this was a very serious and sophisticated criminal enterprise.”

He added: “You ran what appears to have been a legitimate business. But you were greedy, and not content with your income an your wife’s income, you become involved in very serious criminality so you could further line your pockets.”

Detective Inspector James Panter said: “Not only did Sztulc have a significant monopoly on the drugs market within Peterborough, with drugs worth more than £30,000 found in his car alone, the guns found also indicated he was involved in the illegal firearms trade.

“We used a range of specialist tactics to uncover his role in the murky serious and organised crime underworld, and we’re really pleased that he will now be serving a substantial time behind bars. Four dangerous weapons and a considerable amount of cocaine have also now been removed from circulation.

“Although drugs and firearms criminality of this nature may not seem to be an issue for the majority of law-abiding citizens in our region, they can both underpin a wide range of other issues within our local communities.

“That’s why we’re committed to continuing our relentless pursuit against dangerous individuals such as Sztulc, bringing down criminal networks across the eastern region, and protecting the public from serious and organised crime.”

Sztulc pleaded guilty to: Conspiracy to supply a class B drug, Possession of criminal property, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, two counts of possession of a prohibited firearm, two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a firearm without a firearm certificate possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, possession of prohibited ammunition and possession of an identity document with improper intention.

A proceeds of crime hearing will take place in August