Police descended on a former pub in Old Basford when officers carried out a warrant at the site after receiving reports of drug activity - and now footage released from the raid shows the moment a drug dealer then tried to run from he scene.
Leon Smart, 36, climbed through a bathroom window in an attempt to escape from Old Pear Tree Inn, Bulwell Lane, Old Basford after realising a former pub he was living in was being raided by police.
After entering the premises, officers discovered large amounts of drugs inside, namely cocaine and cannabis, but no trace of Smart who had just fled the premises.
Police said Smart tried to hide behind a nearby house, but unbeknownst to him he was being watched the entire time by a police drone flying above. After being tipped off about where he was, officers zeroed-in on his location, with a police dog unit helping to sniff Smart out from his hiding place.
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The drug dealer then tried to run but didn’t get far before the canine chased him down and left him on top of a nearby parked car. Smart was then dragged off the car roof, with large amounts of cash he was carrying spilling out onto the pavement as he was arrested.
As all this was happening, a search of the former pub on September 21, 2021, led to substantial amounts of cocaine and cannabis being seized. A bag of Black Mamba, a taser and a large quantity of cash were also found by police during the raid.
Smart, of Reginald Road, Deptford, London, was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possessing a prohibited weapon. Having pleaded guilty to the charges, Smart appeared before Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, January 17, for sentencing. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Sergeant Steve Willetts, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Eradicating drug dealing from our streets is extremely important to us as a force, and warrants like the one used in this case play a key role in helping us do that. We will never hesitate to follow up reports of drug activity we receive and will act robustly to shut down any drugs operations being run within our communities because we understand the devastation they can cause.
“This was a great example of several of our teams, including the drone unit and police dog section, working together to ensure a criminal couldn’t escape. As Smart found out to his cost, you can run but you can’t hide from the police, with the footage filmed by the drone showcasing how officers effectively communicate with one another to close in on a target.
“I’m pleased to see Smart is now facing up to the consequences of his actions and I hope he uses his time in prison to change his life for the better.”
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