A drug dealer who used his elderly mum’s car to deal cocaine around Manchester has been jailed after the substance was found stashed in his underwear.
Wayne Elphick, 43, of Bellscroft Avenue, Moston, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply at a Manchester Crown Court hearing.
He was sentenced today to two-and-a-half years in prison.
GMP Detective Sergeant Andrew Buckthorpe said: “Elphick used a car purchased with a government grant to deal cocaine around the Greater Manchester area, thumbing his nose at both the law and the good faith in which that car was provided to help his ailing mother.
“This case falls part of Operation Challenger Cairo, which is a proactive investigation aimed at tackling organised crime groups, specifically those involved in the sale and supply of drugs.
“This conviction shows that GMP will absolutely not tolerate drug dealing in our communities.”
Mr Elphick was apprehended by the North Manchester Organised Crime Unit on October 4 last year, when he was driving his mother’s red Seat Leon down Oldham Road, Newton Heath.
When the vehicle was searched, he was found in possession of nearly £300 in cash, two mobile phones and £550 worth of cocaine concealed in his underwear.
The offender was bailed pending further inquiries after denying dealing drugs and claiming the cocaine was for personal use.
But a later analysis of Mr Elphick’s phone revealed that he had been using the same car to deal cocaine around Manchester.
His address was raided in the following weeks by Operation Challenge Cairo officers, who found £900 worth of cocaine, scales, a drug debtors list and nearly £300 in cash.
He was arrested on November 27 at his girlfriend’s house, where a further £150 of cocaine was discovered.
Detective Sergeant Buckthorpe added: “Drugs can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, not just the users but their families. I would ask anyone who has information into where drugs are being dealt or produced, to contact police.”
If you have been effected by drug dealing in your community, or have any information, then please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
