Police seized almost ?3k in Norfolk drugs raid
Dean Piper has been sentenced for conspiracy to supply class A drugs at Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)
Police seized almost £3,000 in cash as well as drugs after executing a drugs warrant at a Norfolk address, a court has heard.
Dean Piper, 32, was found to have £2,950 in cash and 9.42grams of cocaine worth between £380 and £475 during a search of his home address in Stalham.
Norwich Crown Court heard Piper had not been present and although no drugs were initially found a "substantial quantity" of cash was found by police at the address.
Eastern Daily Press:
Philip Farr, prosecuting, said as police were leaving Piper returned in his car and was searched with officers finding the cocaine and a further £490 in cash.
The court heard other items found included a mobile phone with text messages indicating Piper was "involved in the supply of drugs".
Piper, of Millside, Stalham, appeared at court on Tuesday (March 28) having previously admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine on December 17 2020.
Danielle O'Donovan, mitigating, said he had struggled with cocaine addiction and had, at the time, been "dealing to fund a habit".
She said it was "not an unusual story" but insisted the defendant says "being arrested was a godsend".
Ms O'Donovan said: "It's the trigger which has got him to take hold of his life and get clean of drugs."
She said he was working and "now a credit to himself and his family" whereas two-and-a-half years ago "he was an embarrasment to his family" and insisted it "took a lot of work and courage to come back from that".
Ms O'Donovan added that his remorse she said was "obvious and apparent".
Judge Katharine Moore imposed a two year prison sentence suspended for two years.
Piper was also ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work must take part in a mental health treatment requirement meaning he must attend 12 sessions.
He must also complete 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR).
The defendant was also ordered to pay costs of £2,950.