A MasterChef the Professionals contestant has been jailed for his role in a drugs supply plot with a woman who boasted about her abilities to "bash up" cocaine and heroin. Haritier Nsemi, who appeared on the show in 2018 but was eliminated, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, May 13.
With talented dancer and DJ Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, they perceived a potential market for selling Class A drugs in Retford, Nottinghamshire, and found two established drug users to start dealing drugs from their homes with their consent. Their activities came to light when one person disappeared to the Premier Inn, Newark, allegedly with £300.
Efforts were made to recover the cash but police were informed and the pair were arrested. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine with Ashleigh Ellis, a drug dealing mum who had fled a violent relationship. The 27-year-old, of Wadsworth Road, Bramley, Rotherham, was at premises where heroin and cocaine were found.
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"She put in a basis of plea, effectively saying she had sold drugs at their behest and under the control of another," said Stuart Lody, prosecuting. In a text message, she was, "discussing with a customer the sale and purchase of drugs, and boasting of her abilities to bash up cocaine and heroin", he added.
"She was clearly involved in the manufacture and preparation of the drugs for onward sale and providing drugs on credit". She was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
James Beck, for well-known chef Nsemi, said his client had been in custody for 20 months and had pleaded guilty. He was jailed for three years but has already served half of this on remand and will be released.
He has been in full-time education or employment; in Michelin Star restaurants, two and three stars, in London working long hours and "making some very good money," said Mr Beck.
Nsemi, 32, of Mast Quay, Greenwich, has family in Rotherham. They were helping him sell a vehicle, because he needed the money, but he had a crash and driving a hire car when he was arrested. He had no cash to fall back on and, "made the stupid decision to get involved in drug dealing," said Mr Beck.
"It is not a county lines operation (where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another). He is a well-respected chef. He has featured on Master Chef: The Professionals, but he didn't get very far, but at least he got on the programme.
"He will have employment on release," added Mr Beck. "He has found the whole experience (of court) quite dramatic and quite frightening".
Crown court advocate Andrew Wesley represented security worker Ogunyankinnu, 23, of Granville Road, Wood Green, North London. Mr Wesley said his client hoped to go to university on his release. He has already done 15 months on remand - half of the 30-month prison sentence imposed - and he is also expected to be released now.
Judge Stuart Rafferty QC told them: "If you play again at the same gambling table, things will be very different for you all".
Detective Constable Colin Jones, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I hope this case sends a very clear message to other drug dealers who think they can set up shop in Nottinghamshire and prey on often vulnerable drugs users.
"You will eventually come to our attention and when you do we will do whatever it takes to disrupt your operation and bring you to justice.”
