Two men caught dealing drugs in Weymouth have been jailed.
Karan Patel, aged 26 and of Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth, and Grantley Woodall, aged 23 and of Kittiwake Close in Bournemouth, were sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 18 November 2021. Patel had been found guilty of being concerned in the supply of cocaine at an earlier trial at the same court and Woodall had admitted the same offence during the course of that trial.
Patel was sentenced to six years in prison and Woodall received a two-year jail term.
At around 12pm on Wednesday 19 June 2019 officers were in the area of The Esplanade following reports of drug-related activity.
They witnessed three men conducting what they believed to be drug deals and then enter an address in Upway Street.
Officers then followed the men to the town centre and as they approached them, they attempted to make off. All three men were detained and six white wraps were seen to fall from Woodall’s right hand onto the floor. These were found to contain crack cocaine.
The men’s phones were seized and analysed. They revealed evidence that the three men were involved in the supply of class A drugs.
The three men were released under investigation as the investigation work was carried out and were subsequently issued with postal requisitions to appear at court.
The third man who was arrested, 27-year-old Maxence Pierre Bonte, failed to appear at court when required and is currently wanted by police. Enquiries by officers indicate he may have left the country.
Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police is committed to taking action against those involved in dealing illegal drugs in our communities and ensuring those involved in the supply chain are identified and brought before the courts.
“We are indebted to local communities for any information that can assist in this ongoing effort and I would urge anyone with information relating to drug related activity in their area to please report it to us.”
Anyone with information relating to the supply of drugs or suspected drug related activity can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.
Anyone with details relating to the whereabouts of Maxence Bonte is also urged to report it via the same channels. If you see Maxence Bonte you should contact 999 immediately.
Karan Patel
Grantley Woodall