“Are you making these names up as we go?” | Drug dealer tries to improvise during stop and search

A prolific drug dealer has been jailed after being found with Class A substances in his car… and his underwear.

Anthony Thomas, of Beachdale Close, Wingate, was stopped by PC Pinchen and PCSO Allan in August 2022 when he was spotted driving a VW Golf believed to be linked to the supply of drugs in Peterlee.

Despite Thomas anxiously trying to explain away multiple phones and cash, a search of the car uncovered a large quantity of what were later confirmed to be Class A drugs already prepared for distribution.

In total, 51 silver foil packages containing crack cocaine and one containing heroin were found in the car.

In custody, Thomas was strip searched and found to be concealing a further 22 wraps of crack cocaine and 28 wraps of heroin in his underwear.

His home address was also searched, where officers found what was suspected to be a cutting agent and a selection of knives.

Thomas’ phones were later examined and found to contain messages from customers placing orders for their preferred products.

Following a lengthy investigation that linked Thomas to drug supply across the east coast area, the 49-year-old was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court last week, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

DC Hagar, of Peterlee CID, said: “This is an excellent example of the use of stop and search tactics by our Neighbourhood Police Team, highlighting the benefits of their deep knowledge and understanding of the people in their beat area.

“Drugs cause misery within our communities, and we will not tolerate it. If you’re dealing drugs in Peterlee, we will catch you and put you in prison.”