Man who hid drugs in his underpants jailed:
HE CONTINUED TO SUPPLY WHILE ON BAIL
A MAN who police noticed looking ‘“nervous and on-edge” was found to be hiding drugs in his underpants.
Thomas Braganca was searched and officers found cannabis, crack cocaine and heroin.
The 19-year-old, of Glynne Road, Bangor was arrested and a further search of his bedroom revealed more cannabis, cash and two mobile phones. Examination of the phones revealed “flash messages” indicating he had drugs for sale.
After being interviewed Braganca was released on bail, Mold Crown Court heard.
But Braganca continued to supply drugs and was arrested again last month.
Appearing via videolink from prison, Branganca admitted charges of possessing illegal drugs with intent to supply and was jailed for three years.
Judge Niclas Parry said: “Bangor city is an university city and its reputation is greatly damaged by the availability of class A drugs.
He added: “A staggering aggravating feature is that you were given bail and you did it again. You were given bail again and you did it again.”
Prosecuting barrister Paulinus Barnes said on September 6 Braganca was seen by officers on the High Street in Bangor handing a small package to another man and receiving a £20 in exchange.
The officers arrested Braganca
and during interview he denied the supply offences and said the officers were lying.
“In the early afternoon of April 22 this year North Wales Police received reports of drugdealing at Donkey Lane, Bangor, and officers went to the scene,” said Mr Barnes.
“By the time they arrived, whoever it was that was seen had left the area, but officers conducted patrols in the area.
“An officer in an unmarked police car on Ffriddoedd Road saw two males who made off. During the chase the defendant and another male were seen to place items in a hedge next to Hillgrove School. Both were detained.”
During a search, officers found a bundle of cash and a bag containing wraps of cocaine and heroin. Braganca was interviewed and answered “no comment” to all questions. Mr Barnes said he had no previous convictions, cautions or warnings.
Defence counsel Dafydd Roberts said Braganca’s best mitigation was his guilty plea.
He suggested Braganca had been exploited by others and came from a good family who continued to offer support.