Rugeley cocaine dealer who lost £6,000 of drugs jailed

Darren Reed, who was supplying the drugs in Rugeley, boasted in a WhatsApp message to a friend that he had made 'an easy fifty grand' before admitting he had lost £6,000 worth of cocaine.

The 25-year-old was jailed for three years and eight months yesterday at Stafford Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The court heard that Reed was driving his black Audi A3 in Lion Street, Rugeley, at lunchtime on May 19, 2017, when he was stopped by officers.

Bags of cocaine were found in the centre console of the car, while Reed was in possession of three mobile phones.

After an examination of the phones, they were found to have a number of messages and images relating to the dealing of cocaine.

A search of Reed's address on Lion Street found a drug preparation area on a coffee table, with more than nine grams of cocaine, more than 22 grams of cocaine cutting agent boric acid, and a small amount of herbal cannabis.

Officers also found grip sealed bags, digital scales and an ID card with Reed's name on it, which has traces of cocaine on it.

Detective Constable Ian McDonack, of Staffordshire Police Major and Organised Crime, said: “Reed was arrogant enough to boast about his dealing and careless enough to lose thousands of pounds worth of cocaine when he buried it and forgot where.

“We’re glad he’s off the streets and can no longer deal in misery.

“Reed was found to be using boric acid to cut with his cocaine in order to maximize his profits, with no regards to the health of those he was selling it to.

"Boric acid is extremely toxic and normally used in the production of insecticide and other manufacturing processes."

Anyone who suspects drug supply in their area is encouraged to report it to police on 101 or by contacting independent crime-fighting charity CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online report form at crimestoppers-uk.org