Drill artist brought revolver to probation meeting

A drug dealing drill artist has been sent back to prison after bringing a revolver to a meeting with the Probation Service.

Essex Police found the converted firearm inside a coat taken by Noble Nwokocha, 24, to offices in Laindon, near Basildon, in October 2025.

The rapper, known as Drilla, a member of north London drill group 3x3, was on licence from prison having been convicted of supplying heroin and cocaine in 2023.

A judge at Southend Crown Court sent him back to jail for four years and eight months in August after he admitted holding the gun.

Nwokocha fronted a drill music video with lyrics glorifying firearms while on licence, detectives found.

"The reality that emerged through these proceedings was very different and far from glamourous," said Det Sgt Jon Kemp.

Nwokocha appeared "visibly shocked and swore" as officers investigating the sale of drugs swooped on his probation meeting to arrest him in October, Essex Police said.

The drug dealer then told officers "that's not mine" when they searched his coat and found the gun in a pocket.

Examination by detectives found it was a blank-firing revolver that had been modified to shoot ammunition.

Nwokocha argued in court that he was forced to hold the gun by gang associates and planned to hand it over at his meeting.

However, Kemp said he was actually interested in projecting "an image associated with weapons, criminality and status".

Nwokocha also still lived with his mother, the investigation found.

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

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

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