Drug Dealer Ashley Burroughs Busted Three Times in Rugby
Ashley Burroughs, 28, of Bilton Road, Rugby, was caught red-handed three times as he dealt crack cocaine around town.
Undercover Detectives Nab Burroughs at Hotel
The saga began on June 14, 2021, when plain-clothes detectives spotted a known drug user enter a hotel near the town centre. They suspected a drug deal was going down and kept watch.
Soon after, Burroughs was seen leaving the hotel. A quick stop and search found him carrying crack cocaine, cash, scales, and a phone loaded with incriminating texts like, “You about with a bag?”
Burroughs was arrested but clammed up, giving ‘no comment’ answers during questioning.
Second Bust: More Drugs & Damning Texts
On August 23, he was caught again in the town centre. This time police found wraps of crack cocaine packaged for sale, cash, and two mobile phones.
One phone’s messages bragged, “Started my flake line up again,” and, “got the most sickest flake.” Burroughs again stayed silent during interview.
Third Time’s the Charm – Or Not
On February 2 this year, detectives caught Burroughs leaving a house on Bilton Road, meeting a drug user in an alleyway. When approached, he tried to flee but was quickly detained.
Police seized cash and a phone from him. Nearby, a small bag of cocaine was found on a shed roof, believed to have been thrown there by Burroughs to evade capture.
Searching his room, officers uncovered more cash, drugs, deal bags, a debit card in another name, plus a kitchen knife and baseball bat.
Burroughs Breaks Silence: Why He Dealt Drugs
“You either do it or bad things happen,” Burroughs told police when pressed if he was forced into dealing. “I don’t want to be a rat.”
He admitted he had been working for a window company but said low wages pushed him to drug dealing. Burroughs said he wanted to dress well, hit the gym, and eat healthily – things his job alone couldn’t pay for.
Justice Served: Two Years Behind Bars
Days later Burroughs was charged with two counts of possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to supply. Pleading guilty, he was sentenced to two years in prison at Warwick Crown Court on March 29.
Detectives Deliver a Warning
Detective Constable Thomas Quinlan said: “Burroughs wanted to go to the gym and wear designer clothes – and he was happy to sell deadly substances to vulnerable people so he could do that.
“When he was caught the first time he landed himself in debt with dangerous people, and this activity became more serious than just earning extra cash.
“For those wondering if dealing toxic drugs for extra cash is worth it, I hope this case provides the answer.”
“We all hope Burroughs enjoys the gym facilities in prison.”
