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National
Rob Kennedy

Benwell and Walker cocaine dealers jailed after police stop and search at petrol station

Cocaine dealers were caught red-handed after police pulled over a car they were in at a petrol station.

Officers in an unmarked car saw a BMW 3 series on the A184, heading towards the A1, in Gateshead, last November. It pulled into a petrol station and police approached it and Miah was in the front passenger seat and Smith in the back.

As Miah was removed from the car, he tried to put a mobile phone back in the vehicle but was spotted doing so. In his jacket, police found crack cocaine and ketamine, worth up to £1,400. He was also in possession of £230 in cash.

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At the police station, Smith was found to have cocaine worth around £1,000 on him and cash. Mobile phones were seized from both, which showed they were involved in drugs supply.

Sultan Miah, jailed for cocaine dealing (Northumbria Police)

Miah, who has nine previous convictions and Smith, who has two previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. Miah also admitted possessing ketamine. The court heard it was not known who was driving.

Miah, 22, of Ellesmere Road, Benwell, Newcastle, was locked up for two years and four months while Smith, 22, of Allendale Road, Walker, got two years nine months.

Craig Smith, jailed for cocaine dealing (Northumbria Police)

Glen Gatland, for Miah, said he got involved due to drug and gambling debts and finding himself out of work. He added: "He was fearful of the people he owed money to, who knew where he lived.

"He has demonstrated remorse and understanding of the seriousness of his position. He was engaged through pressure of repaying his debts."

Fiona Lamb, for Smith, said: "It was something that was incredibly foolish. He just turned 22 and now finds himself in HMP Durham."

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