Drug Dealer Wore High-Vis Jacket To Pass As Key Worker During Lockdown
A drug dealer wore a high-vis jacket in a bid to pass himself off as a ‘key worker’ during the coronavirus lockdown.
Benjamin Evans told police he had been working all night when he was stopped in the early hours of Monday morning (6 April).
Officers from Dyfed Powys Police acted on previous intelligence and searched the 26-year-old’s blue Ford Focus only to find a large package wrapped in brown sellotape, which was later confirmed to be cocaine with an estimated value of approximately £57,000 ($70,950).
Evans was charged and remanded in custody, later appearing before Swansea Magistrates Court and pleading guilty to possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
He has been remanded in custody for sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on 20 May 2020.
DI Steve Lloyd, leading the investigation, said: “This is an excellent result for the Ystradgynlais community. Trying to pass himself off as a key worker did not succeed.
“Possessing drugs with the intent to supply does not qualify as essential work. I hope this will serve as a warning to others who wish to bring drugs into the Powys area that it will not be tolerated.
“We want to let potential criminals know that it is business as usual and we will continue to pursue those who target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“I would like to thank all the staff who worked together to quickly bring this case to court resulting in a guilty plea. This result will go a long way to keeping our communities safe. If anyone is worried about drugs in their community I would urge them to contact police and we will take the appropriate action
“To report anything suspicious or concerns about the selling and taking of drugs in the community click here to report online, or call 101. To report information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Key workers are the only sector currently exempt from the rules of lockdown – they include those working in certain vital professions for example NHS staff (nurses and doctors working on the front line) or utility workers such as gas and electricity operators.
