A Swindon man has been jailed for more than four years following multiple arrests linked to drug dealing in the town.
Leandro Pinto, 19, of no fixed address, was first arrested on 2nd March after he was linked to an address believed to be associated with class A drug supply. Pinto was found with wraps of heroin and cocaine stuffed into his underwear, as well as eight wraps in his mouth. He also had more than £400 cash and a burner phone on him at the time of the arrest.
Just five days later, Pinto was spotted riding an electric bike in the Farringdon Park area. He was detained in Cambria Place and was found to be carrying a rucksack stuffed full of cannabis. In total there were 54.81g of cannabis located.
On 20th March, officers were on duty in the town centre when they were made aware of a group of suspected drug dealers in the Wharf Green area. As a number of the group were detained, Pinto was seen walking away from the area. He was detained and found in possession of six bags of cannabis.
Then, on 28th April, a warrant was executed at an address linked to Pinto in Chalvedon Green. A mobile phone containing messages indicative of class A drug supply was seized and Pinto, who was found in bed at the time of the warrant, was arrested.
In total, Pinto pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine, one count of possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of criminal property and three counts of possession with intent to supply cannabis.
He was sentenced to a total of 54 months imprisonment and an order was made for the destruction of all the drugs seized during the arrests.
Fortitude Investigator James Purcell said, “Officers from our Fortitude teams are committed to targeting prolific offenders like Pinto who continuously cause harm within our communities.
“The drugs seized from Pinto during multiple arrests had the potential to cause significant harm to vulnerable people living in Swindon and further afield. Drugs is often seen as a victimless crime but that could not be further from the truth – drugs are often associated with violent crime and weapons, and I am therefore pleased we have been able to disrupt this individual from continuing to offend and ensure he was put before the courts and subsequently jailed for his involvement.”
