Downfall of a Drug Duo
Two drug dealers from the Midlands have been sentenced after a police operation uncovered their criminal enterprise, leading to the discovery of over £11,000 in cash. The pair's downfall was accelerated by a desperate attempt to hide evidence when officers arrived.
The Police Raid and Discovery
Staffordshire Police officers executed warrants at the homes of Joshua Johnson and Owen Hargreaves, both aged 22, following community tip-offs about drug dealing. During the search of Johnson's address in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, officers found a phone identified as the drug line phone used to send bulk messages to customers and advertise drugs locally.
A significant amount of cash, totalling more than £11,000, was collectively seized from both properties. The situation took a dramatic turn at Hargreaves' home in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent. As police entered, Hargreaves threw a sock out of the window. The sock was later recovered and found to be concealing wraps of drugs inside.
Sentencing and Police Statement
Both men were questioned in custody and subsequently charged. Joshua Johnson admitted to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine. He appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and was jailed for three years and nine months.
Owen Hargreaves pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of heroin. He was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
Commenting on the case, Sergeant Marc Proctor from Staffordshire Police said, "Drug lines like this are being targeted every single day across Staffordshire as we continue to take the fight to serious and organised criminals on our streets." He highlighted that such operations often exploit vulnerable people and generate profit from addiction.
