Man jailed after crash and attempted escape with class A drugs

Wilson Wunganai sentenced for drug and driving offences in Middlesbrough

Author: Stan TomkinsonPublished 28th Mar 2026

Wilson Junior Wunganai, 38, from Gretton Avenue in Middlesbrough, has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison after crashing a car while attempting to evade officers while in possession of class A drugs.

On Thursday, 27th November 2025, Wunganai failed to stop for Middlesbrough Proactive Team officers on Palm Street and sped off in a Volvo which ultimately crashed while trying to navigate a narrow pedestrian path leading to Borough Road. The vehicle became wedged between two brick planters, prompting Wunganai to attempt fleeing on foot.

Arrest and charges

Following a foot chase, officers apprehended Wunganai on Borough Road and recovered suspected cocaine valued at around £360.

A search of his home revealed over £10,000 in cash and additional quantities of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis, leading to charges including two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of cannabis, possession of criminal property, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified.

Teesside Crown Court sentenced Wunganai to 4.5 years in jail and imposed a 57-month driving disqualification.

Proactive police efforts

Sergeant John Sproson from the Middlesbrough Proactive Team commented on the successful prosecution: “Another man has rightly been put before the courts and has been brought to justice as we continue to proactively target drugs activity in Middlesbrough.”

Sproson issued a warning to those involved in distributing drugs in the area: “Let this be a warning to those who are bringing drugs into Middlesbrough to distribute them into our communities; we are watching you and you will be caught.”

Middlesbrough's proactive stance on drug-related activities seeks to maintain community safety and deter illegal conduct.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.