Graveyard Drug dealers Jailed

Three drug dealers have been jailed as a result of a police investigation to target drug activity at a Portsmouth cemetery.

Officers from Portsmouth’s Priority Crime team took action after hearing that Kingston Cemetery was being used as a location to deal heroin and crack cocaine.

Anthony Stuart Holmes was arrested on April 28 near the entrance to the cemetery on New Road after police witnessed him selling drugs there. The 33-year-old of New Road, Portsmouth, was charged with supplying and being concerned in the supply
of crack cocaine and heroin.

Officers searched his house and there seized £1,800 worth of drugs and £535 in cash and arrested two other men.



Marlon Paul Christopher, 26, of Arcola Street, London, was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Jermaine Dunkerley-Watson, 21, also of Arcola Street, London, was accused of possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. He pleaded guilty at court on April 30 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Holmes and Christopher pleaded guilty at court on August 9. On Monday, September 20, Holmes was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and Christopher received two years and nine months.

Detective Constable Richard Bateman from Portsmouth’s Priority Crime team said: 

“This is an excellent result for us and people who live near or visit Kingston Cemetery.

“Drug dealing is damaging to any community, but it’s particularly upsetting to have to witness it in a cemetery where people come to pay respects to their loved ones.

“Holmes was caught dealing there during the day. He’s got a history of petty theft which he committed to fund his drug habit.. But he took it further and got caught up in dealing for the other two men who’d come to Portsmouth from London
and brought their drugs-related problems with them.

“Their convictions are a warning to anyone thinking about using or dealing drugs in Portsmouth that you will be caught and you face a hefty jail sentence.

“Since we ran this investigation, we’ve not received any more complaints about drug use at Kingston Cemetery. I’d urge anyone who’s concerned about drugs in their neighbourhood to tell us. As the sentencing shows, the more we know, the more
we can do about it.”

Anyone with information about drug activity is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary in confidence on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.