Chesterfield Drug Dealer Jailed for Heroin Laced with Vet Tranquiliser
Tariq Thompson, a 35-year-old drug dealer from Chesterfield, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after being caught with tens of thousands of pounds worth of heroin laced with a veterinary tranquiliser. The case highlights significant dangers in the local drug supply chain and determined police efforts to combat it.
Police Pursuit and Initial Arrest
Officers from Derbyshire Constabulary first spotted Thompson behind the wheel of a VW Golf in Brockwell Lane, Chesterfield, in October 2024. When he attempted to flee, police pursued and eventually located him in Masson Close. A search revealed cash, two mobile phones, a bag of white powder, and working scales, indicating active drug dealing operations.
Discovery of Dangerous Drugs
A subsequent search at his girlfriend Clair McCluskey's home in Hatton Close uncovered two large wraps of brown powder. Further investigation led to the discovery of a safe containing additional cash, drugs, and items associated with drug dealing. Police also seized a tub of cannabis and more phones during the operation.
Laboratory testing confirmed the brown powder was heroin contaminated with xylazine, a tranquiliser approved only for veterinary use and not intended for human consumption. This dangerous combination poses serious health risks to users, as xylazine can cause severe respiratory depression and other complications when ingested by humans.
Additional Dangerous Driving Offence
Thompson also faced charges for a separate dangerous driving incident that occurred on November 26, 2024, in Newbold Road, Chesterfield. Police reported that he was riding a Yamaha motorbike that failed to stop for officers, initiating a high-speed pursuit.
The motorcycle reached speeds exceeding 50mph in a 30mph zone, ran multiple red lights, crossed onto the wrong side of the road, and dangerously overtook vehicles at roundabouts. The pursuit ended in Abercrombie Street when officers strategically positioned a police car to block the bike's path, forcing it to stop. Thompson attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended and arrested.
Court Sentencing and Police Statement
At Nottingham Crown Court on February 10, Thompson pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, supplying a Class A drug, and dangerous driving. He received a prison sentence of three years and four months for his crimes.
Detective Constable Sarah Sullivan, who led the investigation, stated: "On two separate occasions Thompson made deliberate and determined efforts to get away from police in a bid to avoid facing the consequences of his actions. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't avoid us and is now behind bars."
She further emphasized the community impact: "The heroin he was found in possession of was worth huge amounts of money and would have been sold to numerous people in Derby and the wider county. The fact it contained a tranquiliser not suitable for human consumption is very concerning. We know that drugs have a massive impact on our communities and are committed to disrupting their supply."
Co-Defendant's Sentence
Clair McCluskey, 38, of Wythburn Road, Chesterfield, pleaded guilty to supplying a Class A drug. She received a two-year community order with 120 hours of unpaid work as her sentence.
Government Warning About Xylazine
According to official government sources, xylazine is a non-opioid tranquilizer approved for use as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic in veterinary medicine. However, it is increasingly being used illicitly by humans both internationally and within the United Kingdom, creating significant public health concerns.
Police are urging community members to report any suspected drug dealing activities to help authorities continue their work in bringing offenders to justice and protecting public safety.
