Drug dealer jailed

A man has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for drug and other offences after being arrested just a month ago.

Alberto Deda, 23, was stopped by officers of Suffolk Police’s Sentinel South team while driving a London-based hire car in Capel St Mary on 12 July.

 

Deda, the only occupant, was arrested following a search of the vehicle which uncovered 17 deals of cocaine wrapped in black socks. Officers also seized £270 in cash.

He had used a false address in Ipswich to hire the car and then presented a counterfeit driving licence from his phone. The phone also contained messages directing Deda to meetings with cocaine users to sell them drugs.

Deda was arrested for cocaine supply offences and admitted to officers he did not possess a driving licence and was therefore not insured to drive the hire vehicle. He was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of a counterfeit identity document with intent to deceive and driving without a licence or insurance.

Deda, of no fixed abode, appeared before Ipswich Magistrates on 13 July and was committed to Ipswich Crown Court. On 9 August he pleaded guilty to all the offences and was sentenced to a total of two years in jail.

Sentinel Sergeant David Logan said: “We are pleased Deda was arrested, charged, convicted and jailed within a month. Our team exists to keep Suffolk residents safe from people like Deda and his cocaine-using customers who drive on our roads. Thankfully, his phone highlighted his customers to us and they can expect to be drug wiped at the roadside soon.”

The three Sentinel teams across the south, west and eastern areas of the county provide enhanced coverage of Suffolk’s road network to proactively disrupt serious and organised criminal activity as well as increase police visibility. 

The mobile unit disrupts criminals and protects communities across Suffolk’s road network using a variety of techniques to deal with offenders involved.

If you suspect drug activity report this via the website https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us or call 101, or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.