A drug dealer – on bail on condition he lived in Rochdale – was found by police hiding in a cupboard 162 miles away in Fenland; he has been jailed for nearly four years.
A court heard that police were on patrol in the Creek Road area of March on 25 August when they came across 22-year-old John Smith.
He was riding a bike which they believed had been stolen in a robbery earlier that month.
Smith was searched and found to be in possession of 22 wraps of cocaine – worth about £440 – and two mobile phones, resulting in his arrest.
A search of his home uncovered more cocaine worth up to about £2,400, as well as a large mixing bowl, weighing scales and a spoon which all had remnants of cocaine on them, and more than £1,300 in cash.
He was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and appeared in court on 27 August where he was given court bail with conditions not to enter Cambridgeshire and to reside in Rochdale.
But On 14 October, he was further arrested after he was found hiding inside a wardrobe in his former home in Creek Road – a direct breach of his court bail conditions.
Smith was further charged with breaching court bail conditions and being concerned in the supply of cocaine after examination of his mobile phones showed clear evidence of drug dealing.
He appeared at Cambridge Crown Court on November 1 where he was jailed for three years and eight months.
He was also ordered to forfeit £1,331.50 under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which will go to a nominated local charity.
Detective Constable Annie Fenton, who investigated, said: “I hope this sentence comes as some good news for the March community.
“Smith has been jailed for his key involvement in dealing cocaine in the town which was having a significant impact on the community.
“This was a great spot by neighbourhood policing officers who were on patrol, and subsequently led to the discovery of the set-up at his home where he was preparing the product for sale.”
DC Fenton said that tackling drug dealing in the March area is a priority for the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, amongst other things.
Information from the public can greatly assist in combating the issue, there anyone with concerns or information about drugs is urged to report online here.
