COCAINE HIDDEN INSIDE ROLL-ON BOTTLES

AMAN has been sent to prison after thousands of pounds’ worth of Class A drugs were found in deodorant bottles. Marcus Diconstanzo, 29, from Newtown was caught on CCTV at a Tesco store bulk-buying the roll-on deodorant containers that were later found to be stuffed with thousands of pounds’ worth of cocaine.

Dyfed-Powys Police used the footage to prove that the bottles belonged to Diconstanzo after he initially denied they were his.

Diconstanzo was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply in June 2019 when officers carried out a warrant at his home in Swallow Drive, Newtown.

Detective Constable Matthew Harries of the Powys Proactive Policing Team said: “A large quantity of cocaine was found hidden in roll-on deodorants, cash was hidden in DVD cases, and digital scales were found behind wall pictures.

“A bag containing five unopened deodorant bottles and a Tesco receipt were found in a cabinet, so inquiries were immediately carried out to determine who had bought them.

“While the defendant denied they were his, footage clearly showed him making the purchase a couple of weeks earlier.”

During the search, 51 wraps with a further 14 grams of a high purity cocaine were seized by officers, with a street value of £100 per gram. The estimated value of the haul was £4,125.

Fingerprints on the foil wraps were proven to be Diconstanzo’s, and he was charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

He admitted the charge at Mold Crown Court and was sentenced to 27 months in prison.