Man jailed after £100k of drugs found in police raid
A man who had more than £100,000 worth of cocaine, crack and steroids seized in a police raid was starting a nine-year jail term today.
The haul was uncovered during a near-five-hour search of the flat above a beauty salon in Moat Road, Oldbury, after Dean Horton and his 36-year-old partner Melanie Sheldon had been given a rude awakening by officers swooping on the address at 6.40am on April 18 last year.
Paraphernalia for the production of the drugs, including a hydraulic press so heavy it could not be moved and a pills press with a “recipe” for steroids left nearby, was discovered in the garage, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.
“Drugs were found throughout the premises,” said Ms Jane Sarginson, prosecuting, who explained the crack and cocaine were valued at £99,142 if sold in street deals, while 2,687 steroid tablets and 455 vials worth a total of £16,800 were unearthed in the loft. There was also £6,500 cash at the address.
Horton, 46, was also jailed for 10 years in December 2005 for drug offences.
Mr Mohammed Latif, defending, confirmed Horton had been hooked on drugs and became indebted, so was approached to “work off” the money owed.
Horton pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of drugs and steroids and was jailed by Judge Rhona Campbell.
The prosecution offered no evidence against Melanie Sheldon from Tower Road, Oldbury, and she was found not guilty.
Sgt Sarah Smyth, from the Sandwell neighbourhood team which carried out the raid, said: “I am pleased to see someone who has illegally been making money and brazenly been dealing the drugs from his property behind bars.
“We are committed to finding those involved in illegal activity and won’t let up on protecting our communities from this type of crime.”
