Cocaine dealer hit 100mph fleeing police in Newport

A teenage cocaine dealer reached speeds of more than 100mph and drove the wrong way around a roundabout as he desperately tried to escape police in Newport.

Rizwan Mohammed, 19, of Sandpiper Way in Duffryn, was spotted by officers driving an Audi A6 fitted with false number plates on the A467 from Abercarn to Newbridge at around 7.40pm on January 19.

The chase

When Mohammed clocked the police car, he sped off towards Rogerstone – hitting more than 100mph during the pursuit. He then performed an emergency stop on Meadowland Drive, causing the pursuing police car to crash into the back of the Audi, before driving off again.

The defendant was recorded travelling at 40mph on the 20mph Rivermead Way, went the wrong way around a roundabout, and took a corner onto Lily Way on the wrong side of the road.

A second police car joined the chase and followed Mohammed down a dead-end. He reversed into the police cars and tried to escape over a grass verge, where the Audi became stuck. Unable to free the vehicle, he was arrested.

What officers found 🔍

A search of Mohammed uncovered £310 in cash and a Nike bumbag containing 25 wraps of crack cocaine weighing 13.95 grams – with a street value of up to £1,500. A separate 8.1 gram rock of crack cocaine worth £810 was also found wrapped in clingfilm inside the bag.

Officers also seized a Nokia mobile phone and a black locking knife. Checks revealed Mohammed was a provisional licence holder and had no insurance.

Previous offending

Mohammed was already subject to a suspended sentence at the time of the offences, having been sentenced for possession of a machete in September.

Defence arguments

Joshua Scouller, appearing for Mohammed, told the court: “The key and most significant mitigation is the fact that he entered guilty pleas in the magistrates’ court.”

Mr Scouller said the defendant was unemployed and had fallen back into drug dealing after having no luck finding work. He described Mohammed as having “an impulsive and perhaps stupid approach to dealing with problems.”

Mr Scouller added that Mohammed was undertaking courses in custody with the aim of finding work upon his release.

Sentencing ⚖️

Mohammed pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, dangerous driving, and possession of a knife.

Recorder Ben Blakemore sentenced him to a total of two years and eight months detention in a Young Offender Institution, which included the activation of two months from his suspended sentence.

He was also banned from driving for 28 months.

Prosecutor Hannah Head confirmed an application would be made under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recoup Mohammed’s criminal profits. He will return to court on June 12.