Man given 28-month prison sentence for drugs offences after being stopped in Ipswich

A man who was found to have Class A drugs and cash in his car after being stopped in Ipswich earlier this year has been given a 28-month prison sentence.

Lachezar Blangev, 55, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 18 April, having pleaded guilty at the court on 4 April to the following.

• Being concerned in the supply of cocaine - 28-month sentence.
• Possession of criminal property - nine-month sentence to run concurrently.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of £2,890 under Section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Blangev was stopped on Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, on 3 February by Suffolk Constabulary's Sentinel team. He was detained for a search after showing his phone to officers, on which officers saw messaging they suspected was consistent with drug supply.  

During a search of the vehicle, a bag containing cocaine was located as well as an amount of cash.

During police investigations officers discovered a possible home address after Blangev had refused to give this.

Officers attended the address at Broadgrass Green on the outskirts of Elmswell.  

Keys in the possession of Blangev opened a caravan and inside more than £2,000 in cash as well as 79 small bags of cocaine were located.

Sentinel teams provide enhanced coverage of Suffolk’s road network to proactively disrupt serious and organised criminal activity as well as to increase police visibility.

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.

Report online via the Website – www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us, call us on 101 or if you prefer you can contact Crimestoppers to report anonymously – online or by calling 0800 555 111.