Drug dealers are jailed after South Yorkshire Police blitz
They have been locked up for 10 years between them
Three drug dealers have been jailed for more than 10 years following a South Yorkshire Police crackdown.
Fleeing officers, running away and hiding in an underground car park were just some of the ways that the dealers tried to evade officers.
They were identified as dealers in Doncaster and appeared in Sheffield Crown Court to be sentenced.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Drugs harm our communities and exploit those most vulnerable.
“Working in a neighbourhood policing team, are our officers know their areas, know their communities and act on intelligence given to them from local residents.”
While on patrol on March 27, Thomas Miller, aged 34, of no fixed abode, fled from officers into an underground car park on Cleveland Street to avoid officers on patrol in the city centre.
He attempted to hide behind a car but was spotted and found in possession of cash, drug paraphernalia and a large bag of Class A drugs.
He was sentenced to four years behind bars.
On June 29, while patrolling on Grey Friars Road following information that the area was being used by dealers, police officers witnessed Lorcan Overson, 37, of no fixed abode, with two known vulnerable people.
He ran from officers and after a short chase was found with Class A drugs, cash, and a mobile phone suspected of being used to organise drug deals.
He has been jailed for two years and four months.
On July 7, Kian Ward, 19, of no fixed abode was seen riding an electric scooter in the Town Field area, and when officers have caught up with him for a chat, he attempted to flee, dropping his drugs, cash and mobile phone.
He was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
On September 23, two officers were on duty in the Wheatley area following reports of on-going issues with drug use and supply.
Officers witnessed groups of people congregating around an alleyway, during which they spotted Joseph Smith, 29 of Elizabeth Avenue, who immediately began to run.
He was traced to a nearby property, where he was found attempting to hide in a bedroom. He was found with cash, and drugs and later jailed for three years and four months.
Sergeant Steve Roberts, from the Doncaster Central neighbourhood policing team, said: “Drugs and those who supply them are a blight on our communities. They cause premature death and perpetuate the commission of other crime types.
“I am pleased that another string of drug dealers is off the streets, and I hope that this result sends a clear message to anyone else who thinks they are above the law that they will be caught and brought to justice.
“If you suspect drug dealing is happening near where you live, report it to us. Your information could lead to a harmful offenders being taken off the streets.”