Drug dealer caught with more than £100,000 in his car jailed for 15 years

A drug dealer from Liverpool has been jailed for 15 years after being stopped by police on a read near Brecon with more than £100,000 in his car.

Neil Croston was stopped as he drove along the A470 towards Brecon in a BMW on May 28 2019.

South Wales' Regional Organised Crime Unit, known as Tarian, had received intelligence that the 45-year-old was involved in the supply of Class A drugs and was believed to have travelled to South Wales to complete a drug deal.

After he was stopped, Croston told officers: ''There's loads of money in the car.''

A search of the car uncovered two carrier bags crammed full of bundles of notes and Croston was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

A search of Croston's address in West Derby, Liverpool, found drug paraphernalia, heroin, cocaine and a comprehensive ''dealer's list.''

He was 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.

Croston pleaded guilty to all charges at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday.

The court also imposed a confiscation order for £117,360 which Croston was ordered to pay within 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.”