Dealer sold herion and cocaine over phone
HEROIN AND CRACK COCAINE SALES TRACED TO SAMUEL
A DRUG dealer was caught when detectives linked him to a phone line selling heroin and crack cocaine.
John Samuel was traced by officers investigating the supply of class A drugs in Earl Shilton and the surrounding area.
The 29-year-old, who lives in Keats Lane in the town, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Leicester Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of drug dealing at an earlier hearing.
Police said officers discovered a “drugs phone line” had been activated on April 5.
A spokesman said: “It was found the phone line was being used to offer heroin and crack cocaine at a street level for cash.
“Following investigative work, it was identified the phone line was being controlled by John Samuel.”
Samuel was arrested on June 11 when a search of his home unearthed a mobile phone containing a SIM card matching the phone line, along with cash and digital scales used to measure drugs.
Investigators said the phone had been used to send messages to drug users in Hinckley, Barwell, Burbage and Earl Shilton.
The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
He also admitted one count of possession of a class B drug, cannabis, on April 2, and possession with intent to supply a class A drug, crack cocaine, on September 11 last year.
In addition, Samuel pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply the class A drug heroin, and possession of cannabis, on January 2, last year.
The earlier charges were made following a police stop check.
Speaking at the conclusion of the case on Friday, Detective Sergeant Jason Fell welcomed the sentence handed down by the court.
He said: “Investigative work led to the phone line being identified and subsequently linked to John Samuel.
“Following the evidence gathered, Samuel pleaded guilty to the offences at his first court hearing, the day after he was arrested and charged.
“At court, Samuel was then sentenced for a number of other drugs offences – all of which came following police checks being carried out due to concerns raised.”
Det Sgt Fell added: “If you do have any information in relation to drug offending, please make contact with us.
“Your information will be dealt with confidentially and will help us as we continue to work to keep our communities safe.”