By James Simons-
A drug dealer(pictured) has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after he was found in possession of a substantial quantity of cocaine and cannabis.
Derek Waters, aged 36, came under the scrutiny of law enforcement authorities when he was pulled over for driving without a license in St Ives on September 8, 2020.
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The subsequent investigation revealed a trail of incriminating evidence, including selfies with his home-grown cannabis.
Upon stopping Waters, the police seized £980 in cash, a mobile phone, and cannabis from his possession.
However, it was the content of his phone that raised the most significant red flag.
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Authorities discovered 317 photos stored under the album ‘grow,’ featuring Waters proudly posing with his cannabis plants.
Further inquiries led the police to Waters’ residence on Ramsey Road in St Ives, where they uncovered evidence of cannabis cultivation and signs of a previous cannabis farm operation in the loft.
In addition to the incriminating selfies, Waters was tracked through Peterborough using CCTV, leading to a search of his home on November 28.
During this search, authorities seized an additional £855 in cash and uncovered more than £3,000 worth of cocaine and cannabis. Multiple mobile phones found at the property linked Waters to drug dealing.
At his sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court on September 21, Derek Waters faced the consequences of his actions.
He received a prison sentence of three years and nine months after pleading guilty to various drug-related charges, including possession with intent to supply class A drugs, two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, being concerned in the supply of class B and C drugs, and possession of Class B and C drugs.
PC Katie Glass, who investigated the case, emphasized the overwhelming evidence against Waters.
She stated: “The evidence from Waters’ mobile phones and his home were overwhelming and confirmed his involvement in dealing class A and B drugs across St Ives and Huntingdonshire.
Drug dealing continues to be a priority for police because of the associated crime that comes with it, including theft, violence, and knife-carrying.”
Waters’ penchant for taking selfies with his illegal activities ultimately led to his conviction and imprisonment.
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