Arjun Bilkhu, a 25-year-old university graduate, was found with over £62,000 worth of cannabis and a knuckleduster but escaped imprisonment. At Warwick Crown Court on Monday (10 August), he received an 18-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, and 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Police Stop and Search
Officers stopped Bilkhu on June 8 on William Freeman Way after noticing his BMW in Coten End, Warwick. Police believed the vehicle was connected to drug distribution after detecting cannabis and observing Bilkhu had bloodshot eyes. Bilkhu initially maintained the cannabis smell originated from friends who had smoked in the vehicle previously.
He at first declined a drug wipe but subsequently tested positive for cannabis. Police searched the BMW and uncovered more than £300 in cash and 24 bags of cannabis in a carrier bag. Bilkhu stated the drugs belonged to him because he was a 'heavy smoker', reports Coventry Live.
Home Search Reveals Large Quantity
Approximately 7kg of cannabis was found at his residence in Warwick, divided into individual bags and half-ounce packages. Drugs were located throughout the premises and valued at more than £62,000. Officers also found a knuckleduster in a bedroom, Warwick Crown Court was told.
Bilkhu admitted guilt to possession of an offensive weapon and possession with intent to supply drugs. In mitigation, Haroon Khattak stated Bilkhu had completed his studies at Birmingham City University and made improvements after losing two family members. He was reported to have got involved with 'bad people' towards the end of his degree.
Judge's Warning
Bilkhu spent nine weeks on remand at HMP Hewell, which he characterised as an 'eye-opener' that had 'woken me up.' His reliance on cannabis was reported to have played a role in his criminal behaviour. Judge Kevin John Hegarty cautioned Bilkhu about the risks associated with cannabis, noting it might offer 'transient pleasure' but could equally inflict 'real damage'.
The judge additionally informed Bilkhu that he had disappointed his family through his involvement in drug dealing. Bilkhu, from Heathcote, Warwick, must complete the community order and rehabilitation activities as part of his sentence.
