Peterborough couple sentenced after MDMA drugs discovery
Traffic stop led to discovery of 662 MDMA tablets and cash
A Peterborough couple have been sentenced after a police traffic stop uncovered hundreds of MDMA pills and a significant amount of cash.
Ryan Smith, 28, was driving a silver BMW when he was stopped by traffic officers in London Road, Fletton, on 1st December 2024 for a routine document and drink drive check.
While Smith was under arrest for failing a roadside breath test, his partner, Ericka Clapham, 26, attempted to remove an item from his pocket, which officers discovered to be a purse containing MDMA pills.
Following searches, officers recovered a total of 662 MDMA tablets.
Clapham, of Trelowen Way, Hempstead, Peterborough, denied intending to supply the drugs but was found guilty after a trial at Peterborough Crown Court in October.
She was sentenced on 8th January to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years, and 180 hours of unpaid work.
Smith, of Ringwood, Bretton, Peterborough, admitted to possession with intent to supply MDMA and possession of £3,765 in cash deemed criminal property. He was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court on 23rd January to three years in prison.
In addition, Smith was fined £250 and received an 18-month driving ban for drink driving, handed down at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on 2nd December 2024.
The £3,765 seized during the investigation has been donated to several organisations, including Peterborough Women’s Aid and Cambridge Cyrenians, to support community projects in Cambridgeshire.
Detective Constable Joshua Crown, who led the investigation, commended the work of traffic officers.
“This was a great proactive stop by traffic officers which resulted in a substantial amount of class A drugs being removed from the streets," Detective Crown said.
“Drug dealing can have such a negative impact on the community, and I am glad the money seized is being used to benefit the people of Cambridgeshire.”