Men jailed after cocaine and cannabis seized – Exmoor

Two men have been jailed for drug offences after being stopped by patrolling police officers in Dunster on 28 April 2020.

Officers carrying out targeted patrols as the result of intelligence stopped the two men in a vehicle and found drugs, a lock knife and a knuckleduster. Further enquiries led officers to find more drugs at the home of one of the men, Jared Tappin.

In all officers seized cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £16,500 and cannabis worth more than £9,500.

Appearing before Taunton Crown Court on Thursday 14 April, Patrick Shelley, 26, of Pixton Way, Dulverton, was jailed for a total of 30 months after previously admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, possessing an offensive weapon in public, possessing a knife in public and acquiring/possessing criminal property.

On the same date Jared Tappin, 31, of High Street, Dulverton, was handed a jail term totalling 26 months after admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and acquiring/possessing criminal property.

The officer in the case, Neighbourhood PC Jamie Munro, said: “This targeted police stop during the midst of the first Covid lockdown was thanks to the community providing us with quality intelligence about drug crime.

“The investigation has necessarily been lengthy but by working with the community we’ve ensured two drug dealers now are behind bars.

“Sadly the impact of drug crime is still felt in rural communities like ours on Exmoor. We welcome information to help us target dealers who often take advantage of the most vulnerable in society.”

You can talk to your neighbourhood team, report using our online form or call 101.

If you don’t want to talk to us directly, ring Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form.

If you or someone you care about is affected by drug use, Somerset County Council’s website has information on the support and advice available.