Drug dealer jailed after one in a million mistake

A drug dealer was caught after he typed in one wrong number and sent a text advertising crack cocaine to a police officer.

Phillip Paul, 25, sent the bulk message to a group of his customers but typed in one wrong digit.

The incorrect phone number instead belonged to a police officer, whoreported the text to the Proactive Investigation Team at Surrey Police.

Detectives were already aware of a drugs line in Surrey in March but thanks to the ‘one in a million’ mistake officers were able to identify Paul as the ‘line holder’.

He was arrested outside his home and officers found £337 in cash, a wrap of crack cocaine, three wraps of heroin and a bag containing two grams of cannabis.

A number of messages from users requesting to buy drugs were also found on Paul’s phone.

Paul, of Lewisham, south east London pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of cannabis.

He was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court in West Sussex on November 14 to three years imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Police Constable Joseph Brown, of Surrey Police, said: ‘Drug dealing can have a hugely disruptive effect on the local community and dealers make their ill-gotten money off the misery of others.

‘If you come into Surrey to deal drugs, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.’

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