A BARGOED drug dealer dropped cocaine in the street while attempting to flee from officers.
Patrolling officers had approached James Roe and informed him he was going to be searched, before the 42-year-old Bargoed man swore at them and ran toward North Road.
Fleet-footed officers from the force’s Community Action Team (CAT) soon caught him, however, after their suspect dropped numerous bags of class-A drugs across a pavement.
He has now been sentenced to three years and four months behind bars for drug supply offences.
Gwent’s CAT were patrolling Bargoed on the evening of April 27 when they spotted a silver Toyota that had recently been linked to drug supply.
Officers later saw James Roe return to the parked vehicle on Llancayo Street, before they informed him he was being detained for the purposes of a search under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The desperate suspect swore, turned and ran from officers before tripping and scattering bags containing cocaine across the floor.
PC Guto Jenkins, officer in the case, said: “Following the foot chase, Roe was arrested and charged with intent to supply class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and possession of criminal property.
“His initial panic and attempted escape show his complete disregard or remorse for his crimes, just a desperation to get away.
“Our proactive patrols, investigations and operations continue to combat the illegal and harmful supply of drugs in our communities and safeguard vulnerable people from harm.
“Investigations like this are only made possible by the vital part our communities play in telling us about their concerns.”
James Roe appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, July 16 where he was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment.
If you have concerns about illegal drugs in your area, you can report it to us via the Gwent Police website, call them on 101 or send a direct message to their Facebook or X social media pages, so they can act.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, with information or visit the Crimestoppers website.
