Counts 1 & 3: Supply of a Controlled Drug of Class A (Cocaine and Heroin).Counts 2 & 5: Possession with Intent to Supply (PWITS) Class A (Heroin and Cocaine).Count 4: Possession of a Controlled Drug of Class B (Cannabis).

The Crown asserts that the defendant played a significant role in a street dealing operation.

Situation

Police officers arrested the defendant after observing a suspected transaction in an alleyway. Officers witnessed the defendant discard two wraps—later confirmed as heroin and cocaine—which forensics matched to the defendant's fingerprints.

A subsequent search of the defendant's home revealed a significant stockpile, including large quantities of Class A substances and further Class B drugs. The prosecution case rests on the observation of the deal and the substantial amount of drugs recovered from the address, arguing this demonstrates a commercial supply operation.

Approach

Current Strategy: The Exploitation Defence

While the possession of the drugs is not disputed, the defence is vigorously contesting the intent and culpability. The defendant maintains he is a drug user who has fallen into debt and is being exploited by a more senior dealer.

Our legal team is advancing the case that the drugs found at the property were being stored under duress. The defence submits that the defendant was acting as a "holder" due to threats made against him, passing drugs to runners only to satisfy a debt, rather than operating as a willing commercial seller. This defence aims to mitigate the defendant's role from "Significant" to "Lesser" under the sentencing guidelines, or to secure an acquittal based on duress.

Outcome

Status: Awaiting Trial

The defendant has entered Not Guilty pleas to the supply charges. The case is currently proceeding to trial at Nottingham Crown Court, where our team will present evidence regarding the exploitation and threats faced by the client.

Note: As this is an active legal matter, further specific details remain confidential.