Drug dealer jailed after police seize huge quantities of crack, heroin and cannabis

A drug dealer has been jailed for his involvement in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in Fareham.

On the morning of 4 January this year, police stopped a Ford Puma being driven by Brian Keating along Newgate Road.

Officers searched the vehicle under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and located a backpack filled with a large quantity of crack and heroin.

The 66-year-old was subsequently arrested, and following an investigation was later charged with two counts of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Examination of the drugs gave an estimated street value of approximately £70,000

After his arrest, Keating’s home address in West Derby Road, Liverpool, was searched and officers located approximately 15kg of cannabis resin. If divided up for individual deals, this has an estimated street value of anywhere in the region of £75,000 - £375,000.

Keating was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He initially denied all of the offences, before pleading guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court on 21 April.

Appearing at the same court today (Tuesday 27 September), he was sentenced to three years in prison.

DC Harry Randell, who investigated the case, said: “Drug dealing is a scourge on our community that causes immeasurable harm. It is often linked to serious violence and the exploitation of vulnerable and young people.

“In Hampshire we work incredibly hard to develop intelligence regarding individuals involved in County Lines drugs supply. The information and intelligence we get from the community leads to positive action including warrants, arrests and vehicle checks, such as the one performed on Keating’s vehicle.

“The officers who proactively stopped that vehicle, along with the officers who conducted the address search in Liverpool, ensured a large amount of drugs were removed from the streets, and because of the work that has been put in to this particular investigation Keating is now in prison.

“We ask the public to please keep reporting information about drugs supply in their neighbourhoods to us. Each piece of information you give us fits into the bigger picture and over time leads to the individuals responsible, like Keating, being brought to justice.”

Anyone with information about drugs supply in their local area is encouraged to report this to police on 101, or via our online reporting tool at www.hampshire.police.uk