Drug Dealer Jailed After Phone Snatch Panic During Stop

A drug dealer’s attempt to snatch his phone from police officers led to his downfall after he was spotted making a suspicious exchange in Bridgend 📱⚖️

Curtis Baker, 25, was seen by patrolling officers stopping his car and “making a short exchange with someone” before driving off at speed on June 6 last year at around 10.20pm.

“Officers located Baker shortly after in Pencoed, having come to a natural stop, and stopped him to talk,” said a South Wales Police spokesperson.

When Baker handed over his mobile phone so officers could check his insurance details, he panicked and tried to grab the device back before attempting to flee on foot.

Police detained Baker and discovered a small amount of cash in his vehicle, whilst messages on his phone suggested involvement in drug supply.

A subsequent search of his Pencoed home uncovered a bag of cocaine and digital weighing scales in his kitchen.

Baker pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Lia Jones of South Wales Police’s organised crime unit said: “There is no place for drugs in our community and I’m pleased to see this sentence handed down. Our teams continue to be on the look out for those involved in criminal activity, and we are committed to bringing those involved before the courts.”