Drug Dealer Nabbed in Swanspool After Traffic Stop Uncovers £2,220 Cannabis Cache
Traffic Cops Spot Fake Plates and Nab Disqualified Driver
Sundeep Bhogal, 34, was pulled over near his Ravensthorpe home in Swanspool early on 18 December last year. Officers suspected his red Mitsubishi Colt was sporting cloned number plates. A quick check revealed the plates were fake and Bhogal was driving while disqualified – making him uninsured too.
Cannabis Smell Gives Him Away
As officers approached, the pungent aroma of cannabis hit them hard. Bhogal was detained on the spot while the car was searched. Inside, police uncovered several carrier bags containing about £2,220 worth of cannabis leaf. They also found cannabis edibles like cookies, bongs, vape pens infused with cannabis, and three small bags of pure cocaine hydrochloride – the kind usually cut with other substances before hitting the streets.
Evidence Found at Home Leads to Jail
Following his arrest, a search of Bhogal’s home uncovered empty containers matching the cannabis edibles found in his car, along with other drug paraphernalia. He faced Peterborough Crown Court on 12 April and was slammed with a year and eight months behind bars. Charges included possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of cocaine, acquiring criminal property (designer clothes and sunglasses), possession of false registration plates, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance.
Bhogal also got disqualified from driving for three years and four months and had eight penalty points slapped on his licence.
Detective Warns of Dangers of Cannabis Edibles
Detective Constable Mark Clapham said: “This was a great spot by our traffic officers. What started as a simple vehicle check uncovered a drug dealing operation specialising in cannabis edibles. These might seem harmless, but they’re increasingly targeting young people nationwide.”
“Cannabis edibles often don’t smell or look like cannabis and resemble normal shop-bought treats, but can be much stronger than other cannabis products. Their effects are delayed, leading users to consume more before feeling the impact, making them especially dangerous.”
