Police officers observed Timothy Hunter, 36, riding a push bike on Longford Road in Cannock during January. They saw him pass something to a man parked outside a row of shops before cycling away.
Discovery of the Drug Deal
The incident took place in broad daylight, prompting officers to stop Hunter shortly after the exchange. A search revealed multiple snap bags of cocaine, a mobile phone, and £140 in cash, linking him directly to street-level drug supply.
Arrest and Evidence
Hunter was arrested at the scene and later charged. The cash and phone were seized as criminal property, as they were believed to be proceeds of drug dealing. The evidence was consistent with the common practice of drug dealers using bicycles to evade detection in residential areas.
Court Appearance and Sentence
At Stafford Crown Court on Thursday, July 23, Hunter pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and two counts of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
Police Statement
A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: "Major and organised crime proactive officers in the north and south of the county continue to work relentlessly to gather and act on intelligence, carrying out stop searches and targeting offenders in pre-planned operations and proactive warrants as part of Operation Target."
The sentencing sends a clear message that drug dealing in Cannock will not be tolerated. Operation Target aims to disrupt and dismantle drug networks across Staffordshire, using both overt patrols and intelligence-led operations.
