A drug dealer who attempted to flee from police officers in Cannock, dropping a package of class A drugs as he ran, has been sentenced to prison.
Foot chase leads to arrest and seizure
Troydne Grizzle, aged 26 and from Bilston, made a run for it when he spotted police on Park Street in Bridgtown, Cannock. The incident occurred on February 7, 2022, after officers had seen him walking from the nearby Hedgehog Close.
They managed to catch up with him a short time later and conducted a stop and search. During the search, they found a Nokia mobile phone, an iPhone, and a set of keys in his possession.
Most significantly, officers recovered a brown paper package that Grizzle had dropped as he was being detained. This package contained individual deals of heroin and crack cocaine.
Further drugs and cash discovered in follow-up search
The police investigation did not end with the street arrest. Officers subsequently searched an address linked to Grizzle in the town.
This search uncovered more quantities of heroin and crack cocaine. In total, police also seized £2,007 in cash and items directly connected to drug dealing operations.
These items included weighing scales and plastic containers, commonly used in the preparation and distribution of illegal substances.
Guilty plea and court sentencing
Grizzle later admitted to charges of possession with intent to supply both heroin and crack cocaine.
He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, January 13, where he was handed a prison sentence of two years and nine months.
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police referenced their ongoing Operation Target, stating: "We’re working proactively every single day in Staffordshire to tackle the organised groups responsible for drug dealing in local communities."
The spokesperson added a warning about the nature of such crimes: "These groups often exploit vulnerable local people into selling drugs on their behalf, allowing career criminals to profit from the addiction and vulnerability of people living locally."
The police have encouraged the public to report any suspicions of drug dealing by calling 101 or using the Live Chat function on their website.
