A reported burglary, a strong smell of cannabis and the unlikely appearance of more than £20,000 in cash led to the arrest of two drug suspects.
Kallumn Dolan and Nathan Hames were driving in Ricket Lane, Ravenshead, when officers responded to reports of a nearby burglary and pulled them over.
The officers were immediately drawn to the pungent smell of cannabis coming from the Seat Ibiza and immediately commenced a search.
Inside they found a deal bag of crack cocaine, a quantity of cannabis and – most suspiciously of all – £22,760 in cash from the passenger footwell.
Subsequent searches of their home addresses on 6 February 2022 revealed further deal bags of crack cocaine and a tin of pepper spray.
After their arrest, both men claimed to have been carrying the money and drugs for another man they refused to name, with Dolan claiming to have acted under duress.
Officers, however, unearthed seemingly friendly messages between Dolan and his contact.
Kallumn Dolan, aged 27, later pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A dug, two counts of possessing a Class B drug and possessing criminal property and possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid.
Nathan Hames, aged 23, pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and possessing a Class B drug.
Both men appeared for sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday 8 July.
Dolan, of Newark Way, Mansfield, was given a 15-month prison sentence suspended for two years.
Hames, of Appleton Road, Blidworth, was given a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months.
No evidence was presented to link them to the burglary report which led police to their car.
Detective Constable Stephanie Wood, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The officers in this case were proactive in stopping this vehicle, using their powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act to locate this cash, and in arresting the suspects for possessing criminal property.
“This is a positive judicial outcome which serves as a reminder to others that any cash or property derived from crime is a criminal offence and will be thoroughly investigated by Nottinghamshire Police.
“I am glad the defendants have now been sentenced and hope this demonstrates to others the consequences of becoming involved in the illegal drugs business.”
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