Driver caught with 14 bags of cocaine

A CONVICTED drug dealer was caught by the police with 14 bags of cocaine in the car and more than 200g of cannabis at his home.

Christopher Griffin, who was previously sent to prison for dealing heroin, was found to have messages on his phone relating to the supply of cannabis.

Cardiff Crown Court heard he said to a police officer as he was asked to step out of the car: “It’s just a spliff.”

Laura Shepherd, prosecuting, said Griffin was pulled over in Severn Grove in Canton, Cardiff on June 30, 2018. The officer found 14 “deal-sized” bags of cocaine, weighing a total of 3.53g.

Prosecutors said police searched his home and seized 210g of cannabis, as well as two mobile phones.

Ms Shepherd told the court the phones contained messages from customers, asking if he could “do a 20” or would consider dropping in Newport.

Griffin denied intending to supply Class A drugs and was cleared of that charge following a trial last month.

Prosecutors said he had 40 previous offences on his record. He was jailed for 30 months in 2009 for possessing heroin with intent to supply.

Griffin, 36, from Sevenoaks Road in Ely, admitted possessing cocaine and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Derrick Gooden, defending, pointed out his client had not offended for “a significant period of time”.

Judge Paul Thomas QC said: “You were sent to prison for two and a half years for dealing Class A drugs - you did not learn your lesson. You have gone back to your old ways.”

Griffin was give a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity and comply with a three-month curfew between 7pm and 7am.