Drug Dealer's Dramatic Escape Attempt in Underwear Ends in 12-Year Sentence
A Nottingham drug dealer made a desperate attempt to evade police by climbing out of a first-floor window wearing only his boxer shorts, while his associate simultaneously flooded a bathroom trying to flush £10,000 worth of heroin down a toilet.
The Chaotic Police Raid in Bestwood
Bodycam footage captured the moment officers burst into a property on Belconnen Road in Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, in February 2023. Andre McGowan, 36, immediately leapt from a first-floor window wearing nothing but his underwear, sprinting down a path while hurling a bag of drugs over a garden fence.
One astonished officer can be heard shouting: "Police, stay where you are! He's out the window in his boxer shorts." Colleagues pursued the barefoot McGowan a short distance before wrestling him to the ground nearby.
Parallel Arrest and Bathroom Flooding Incident
On the same morning, police arrested McGowan's associate, 30-year-old Shabezz Wheeler-Spink, at his partner's house on Norton Street in Radford. Footage shows Wheeler-Spink frantically attempting to flush two plastic bags containing 104 grams of heroin down an upstairs toilet.
The bags refused to flush properly, resulting in significant bathroom flooding. This futile attempt to destroy evidence occurred simultaneously with McGowan's dramatic escape attempt just streets away.
Court Proceedings and Luxury Lifestyle Revealed
McGowan received a 12-year prison sentence at Nottingham Crown Court after admitting to supplying crack cocaine and heroin. The court heard he had operated the "Vic Line" drug network, dealing substances across Nottingham for six years.
Investigators discovered McGowan enjoyed a luxury lifestyle funded by his criminal activities, including holidays to Dubai and Turkey. When police raided his flat, they recovered the "Vic Line" handset used to coordinate drug sales.
Extensive Evidence and Additional Convictions
Analysis of McGowan's phone revealed a bulk message reading "Morning!" that informed users the drug line was actively taking orders. Phone records showed that on one occasion, 70 messages were sent to multiple contacts within just ten minutes.
Additional evidence seized included:
- Significant quantities of drugs and cash
- A metal press used to prepare and compress drugs
- An Aldi carrier bag containing £35,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine
- £28,186 in cryptocurrency and bank assets
Wheeler-Spink pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs and possession of cannabis, receiving a three-year prison sentence. During his arrest, officers discovered two lock knives, a dagger, a sheathed knife, and nearly £12,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis.
Police Commentary on the Investigation
Investigating officer Liz Scott commented on the case: "McGowan thought he could run from the police but failed spectacularly. By climbing out a first-floor window in only his boxer shorts, he grazed his feet while attempting to flee and had to be treated in hospital as a result."
Scott added regarding Wheeler-Spink's actions: "It's fairly common for criminals to attempt to dispose of incriminating evidence when we arrive at their door – and Wheeler-Spink certainly isn't the first drug dealer who has failed to flush drugs down a toilet. Our endeavours to flush out drugs operations like this one have led to more prison sentences."
The investigation revealed that McGowan operated the "Vic Line" with Wheeler-Spink delivering drugs to users throughout Nottingham. Police expressed satisfaction at adding both men to a growing list of drug dealers brought to justice in recent months.
