A drug-dealer from Liverpool found with more than £100k cash in his car during an intelligence-led vehicle stop has been jailed for 15 years.
Neil Croston was stopped as he travelled along the A470 towards Brecon in his BMW on May 28, 2019.
Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, had received intelligence that the 45-year-old was involved in the supply of Class A drugs and that he was believed to have travelled to the south Wales area on that day to complete a drug deal.
After being stopped by a South Wales Police traffic officer on behalf of Tarian, Croston told the officer “There’s loads of money in the car”.
A search of the vehicle uncovered two carrier bags in the rear of the vehicle crammed full of bundles of notes, and Croston was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
While he was in custody in Merthyr Tydfil, a search of his home address in West Derby, Liverpool was conducted where further quantities of heroin and cocaine were found, along with a comprehensive ‘dealer’s list’ and various paraphernalia linked to drug supply.
Croston was subsequently charged with conspiracy to possess heroin with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to supply and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.
He pleaded guilty to all charges at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court and on Friday, July 10 was sentenced to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment.
The court also imposed a confiscation order for £117,350. Croston was ordered to pay the amount in three months or face an additional three years in prison.
Detective Inspector Grant Wilson, from Tarian ROCU, said: “This sentence should send out a strong message to those who think they are above the law, and who see drug-dealing as a way to make quick and substantial amounts of money.
“It is only a matter of time until people like Croston are caught and we will work tirelessly, alongside our local police forces and law enforcement agencies across the UK, to ensure that they are.
“Drugs cause endless misery within our communities and we would urge anyone who suspects illegal drug activity in their community to come forward and tell us what they know.”
Reports can be made via 101, or 999 in an emergency. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
