UK - Drug dealer is a cereal offender [UK]

[chillinwill]

A DOPE dealer tried to hide his drugs inside a box of cornflakes.

But Stephen Page’s stash was discovered by police during a raid on his home.

Officers busted into the property that Page shares with his brother, Gavin, and mum, Brenda West, after receiving a tip-off that Class C substances were being supplied from there.

The trio, of Ladykirk Road, Benwell, in Newcastle’s West End, were arrested and the brothers charged with drugs offences.

They have appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.

Father-of-one Stephen, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, while Gavin, 21, admitted possession of a quantity of cannabis resin.

Claire Paczko, prosecuting, said: “On December 2 a drugs warrant was executed at 9.13am and a small quantity of cannabis resin was found in Stephen’s bedroom.

“However, there were 31 parcels of cannabis, all in cellophane, found inside a packet of cornflakes in the kitchen.

“He was interviewed and said that associates whom he refused to name had given the drugs to him and asked him to hold on to them for a few days.

“He said that his friend had given him a small quantity of cannabis as payment for his services.”

In a separate raid on a house on Joan Street, five cannabis plants were found to be growing in a bedroom and they were seized along with fertilisation equipment, plastic sheeting and other paraphernalia.

Gavin Page was found to be the man behind the small drugs farm and admitted cannabis production.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge for that and drug possession, but brother Stephen was given a 12-month community order, which also requires him to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Richard Copsey, defending Stephen, said: “Although this is a serious matter, my client is a small-time supplier and the drug squad when they visited the premises did not find other items you might expect of a large-scale dealer, such as hot knives, plastic bags and so on.”

He added: “He is growing up now. He is now 22, he has got a child and he has got to get himself motivated.

“He is from a very supportive family and his mother has come with him to court with him.”

The raids were carried out as part of a crackdown by officers in the West End.

Neighbourhood Sgt Barrie Joisce said people can expect the operation to continue over the coming weeks.

He added: “It’s aimed at targeting those who are believed to be involved in theft, burglary and the associated supply and possession of drugs.”

Stolen satellite navigation systems were also recovered during the crackdown, which targeted Adelaide Terrace, Dolphin Court, and Gill Street, Benwell.

by Adam Jupp
Posted On December 13, 2008
Evening Chronicle
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north...2703-22469590/