Dorchester Dealer Dished Out a Heavy Sentence After Massive Drug Bust
Police in Dorchester and Weymouth have cracked down hard on drug crime, smashing a major operation and jailing dealer Samuel Edward Gillies for good.
Gardener’s Shocking Find Sparks Police Probe
On Friday 14 July 2023, a gardener in Inglescombe Street stumbled upon a black holdall stuffed with cash and drugs. Inside was a letter naming 28-year-old Samuel Edward Gillies from Dorchester.
The discovery triggered a swift police response. Officers arrested Gillies and lifted his fingerprints from the drug packaging — sealing his fate.
Weymouth Raid Uncovers Massive Haul and Weapons
Just over two years later, on Saturday 26 July 2025, police raided Gillies’ flat in Williams Street, Weymouth. The haul was staggering:
- 19.6kg of cannabis
- 1.4kg of ketamine
- 1.5kg of cocaine
- £25,520 in cash
- Gold knuckleduster
- Taser
Gillies was arrested at the scene and hit with multiple charges.
Seven Years and Eight Months Behind Bars
On Monday 15 December 2025 at Salisbury Crown Court, Gillies pleaded guilty to:
- Possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs
- Possession of an incapacitation device
- Possession of an offensive weapon in a private place
- Money laundering
He was handed a hefty jail term of seven years and eight months — locking him away for good.
Police Warn Airbnb Hosts to Watch Their Properties
“Illegal drug supply can have a very significant impact on our communities and we are determined to make sure that Dorset is no place for drugs,” said Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Goom.
Shockingly, the Weymouth flat was listed on Airbnb and being rented out during the raid, sparking concerns about short-term rental checks.
Inspector Goom urged homeowners letting out properties to “carry out stringent checks to know who’s staying and how they’re using the place.” He added, “We need the public’s help to report any suspicious activity.”
Suspect Drug Crime? Here’s How to Blow the Whistle
If you spot drug dealing or dodgy dealings in your area, don’t stay quiet. Report anonymously to:
- Crimestoppers: Call 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
- Dorset Police: Report online at the Dorset Police website
Dorset deserves to stay clean and crime-free — so let’s all do our bit!
