Dealer caught with £50k-worth of cocaine and ketamine when stopped in Consett

Darren Smith was stopped by response officers in Consett after they spotted him riding a motorbike dangerously around a residential area of Delves Lane in the town on the afternoon of March 25, this year.

He abandoned the bike in a bid to make off with his stash and cash but he was quickly detained by officers.

Convicted Consett drug dealer Darren Smith, given a 45-month prison sentence Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY (Image: Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY)

Smith, who appeared to be intoxicated, subsequently failed a roadside breath test.

Read more: Police vehicle stop in Consett uncovered class A and B drugs worth £73k

On searching his backpack, about £40,000 worth of cocaine hydrochloride, a class A substance, and approximately £10,000 worth of the class B drug, ketamine, were recovered, plus the £73,000 in cash.

There were also carrier bags and grip bags, indicative of drug dealing.

He was arrested and in initial court hearings maintained he was holding the drugs and cash on behalf of someone else, claiming he was on his way to make a delivery for that other person when he was stopped by police.

Smith pleaded guilty to being in possession of criminal property, the money, at a hearing in April, and in a further appearance at Durham Crown Court, in July, he also admitted possession of class A and B drugs with intent to supply.

His case was finally concluded when the 29-year-old defendant, of Castledene Road, Delves Lane, Consett, was sentenced to three-years and nine months imprisonment by Recorder David Gordon, at a recent hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

The seized cash was ordered to be forfeited and the drugs are to be destroyed, while the defendant also received a 36-month driving ban following a further conviction for drink driving.

Read more: Durham drug user breached court order by touting door-to-door for work

Recorder Gordon also ordered Smith to pay a £120 statutory court surcharge.

Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable David Toomer, from Consett CID, said: “This is a great result for the local community of Consett and a one which I’m sure will be welcomed by residents.

“Not only have we disrupted Smith and his accomplices but also a huge supply of illegal drugs are now off the streets of Derwentside.

“The accumulated cash is now back in the public purse, where it belongs.”

Read next:

               Pair admit involvement in class B drug 'street dealing' in County Durham

               County Durham drug dealer ordered to pay more than £21,000

               Man jailed for growth of cannabis in County Durham

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