Guildford drug dealer jailed

A man who dealt cocaine in Guildford has been sentenced to three years behind bars at Guildford Crown Court today (29 August) after an extensive investigation by the Serious Organised Crime team.

David Hitchens, 47, of Lime Grove in Guildford, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for being concerned in the supply of cocaine, three years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to supply cocaine and six months’ imprisonment for possession of cannabis, all to run concurrently.

Police intelligence had uncovered evidence that Hitchens was dealing cocaine throughout Surrey, prompting a wide-ranging investigation into his offending.

Using mobile phone data and Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, officers were able to tie multiple phone numbers responsible for sending out bulk adverts for drugs to Hitchens.

After downloading the contents of the phones, they were also able to corroborate messages on the phone requesting money to deposits made into his bank accounts.

Hitchens was arrested at his home in March this year, where officers found 14 wraps of cocaine and weighing scales.

PC Simon Laidlaw, from the Serious Organised Crime Unit who investigated the case, said: “Our relentless pursuit of Hitchens has meant that he is now off the streets of Guildford and unable to cause further harm to the local and wider Surrey community.

“Intelligence is key to our ability to take down drug dealers, and I would urge anyone who suspects drug dealing in their area to report it to us so we can build that bigger picture of offending and hold perpetrators to account for their devastating actions.”

If you are concerned about drug use or drug dealing in your area, contact us online or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.

What are the signs of potential drug dealing?

• Lots of visitors, who don't stay very long, arriving at all times of the day and night
• People waiting in cars outside particular properties exchanging small packets or cash
• Lots of visitors bringing items such as TVs or bikes but leaving empty handed
• Lone/vulnerable neighbours suddenly having groups of young men living at their address

What we want to know:

• Time, date and place
• Vehicle registrations and the make, model and colour
• Descriptions of people and details of what they were doing