A drug dealer who enjoyed luxury holidays in Dubai with his ill gotten gains was caught out after being stopped in the street by police.
Rhys Jones, 34, was stopped by officers in Brinnington on July 10 last year. While being searched, a bag of crack and heroin worth £3,590 fell out of his pocket.
He ran off but was later caught and arrested, where officers then found £2,624 in cash on him, a Rolex watch worth £34,000 and a gold chain worth £3,750. He was later released on bail.
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Investigations into Jones commenced over a number of months. Officers continued to receive intelligence about Jones and his involvement in the supply of drugs and a covert investigation was launched.
His house was raided on May 8 2024, and officers seized items including two firearms, pepper spray, £1,000 cash, a package containing 42 wraps of crack and heroin, money counting machines and a Breitling watch worth £1,500.
Jones attempted to make a run for it, having seen police coming. He drove away from his home at speed, driving onto the pavement to avoid officers but was later detained and remanded into custody.
Jones of Lapwing Lane, Brinnington, was sentenced to four years and six months on December 18 at Minshull Street Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to eight charges, namely being concerned in the supply of heroin; concerned in the supply of cocaine; possession of cannabis; possession of criminal property; owning two firearms plus ammunition; possession of pepper spray and obstructing police officers.
Constable Weeks, of GMP’s Stockport Challenger Team, said: “Jones is clearly a dangerous offender, with his expensive jewellery and cash all gained from the profits of his drug dealing enterprise. They are proceeds of crime and were rightfully seized from him. His criminal activity led to luxurious holidays to Dubai to be paid for solely through illegitimate means.
“Drug dealers of this nature often exploit vulnerable members of the community and need to be brought to justice. These investigations are complex pieces of work, but they all rely on information shared to us first by members of the public.
“If you have any concerns about drug supply or county lines operating in your area or feel like you have witnessed something suspicious, please do get in touch with us.
“You can report information to the police on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
