A convicted drug dealer and drill music artist has been returned to prison after taking a firearm to a probation appointment.

Noble Nwokocha, 24, was arrested by Essex Police officers after a converted blank-firing revolver was found inside a coat he had brought with him to a probation office in Laindon.

Nwokocha, who performs under the alias 'Drilla' with Edmonton-based drill collective 3x3, was on licence from prison following a previous conviction secured by Essex Police.

In 2023, he was convicted of supplying heroin and cocaine as part of a county line operating in Basildon.

On the morning of his latest arrest in October 2025, officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor team attended the probation office to arrest him in connection with an investigation into alleged drug supply and child criminal exploitation offences.

When officers entered the room, Nwokocha appeared visibly shocked and swore as he was detained.

As officers searched a coat he had placed on the floor, Nwokocha stated: "That's not mine."

A firearm was found inside one of the pockets.

Subsequent examination established the weapon was a converted blank-firing revolver which had been modified to fire projectiles and was capable of firing ammunition.

Nwokocha was charged with a number of offences, including being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, requiring a person to perform compulsory labour, attempted robbery and possession of a firearm.

The firearm offence was admitted.

The remaining charges were either left to lie on file or dismissed following legal arguments.

In 2024, Nwokocha fronted a drill music video in which lyrics portrayed firearms as a symbol of status and power.

The image presented in the video stood in stark contrast to the circumstances later revealed during his criminal proceedings.

Rather than the false image of success often associated with gang culture, Nwokocha was under probation supervision, subject to licence conditions and was ultimately returned to prison.

Nwokocha pleaded guilty on the basis he had come into possession of the gun after being forced to hold it by gang associates and said he had intended to hand it in when he attended the probation office.

He said he was approached by the gang while sleeping in the communal toilets of a park in London, alleging that they threatened to stab him if he did not take the gun and find a place to hide it.

That basis was not accepted by the prosecution but was not opposed for sentencing purposes.

On Thursday 6 August, at Southend Crown Court, Nwokocha was sentenced to four years and eight months' in prison.

DS Jon Kemp, of Op Raptor, said:

"Those involved in drug-related crime and associated weapons offending know Essex is a very risky place for them to operate.

"Operation Raptor remains relentless in identifying and targeting those involved in county lines activity, and this marked the second time Essex Police had taken action against Nwokocha for serious criminality.

"Following his previous conviction, he had an opportunity to move away from crime.

"Instead, he continued to associate himself with individuals and activity linked to drug dealing, violence and weapons offending.

"Nwokocha chose to project an image associated with weapons, criminality and status.

"The reality that emerged through these proceedings was very different and far from glamourous.

"The image often portrayed through music videos and social media is far removed from the reality we encounter as police officers.

"The reality is arrest, imprisonment, exploitation, violence and the loss of freedom.

"Even after release from prison, offenders remain subject to licence conditions and continued scrutiny.

"This case demonstrates that those who choose to become involved in organised criminality can expect to face serious consequences, and we will continue to pursue those who bring drugs, violence and weapons into our communities."