Warren Roberts was under investigation for suspected drug dealing when he was spotted outside a Birkenhead pub by police. He concealed his cocaine stash in faeces hidden inside his boxer shorts
A drug dealer hid his cocaine stash inside his own poo after being spotted by officers. Warren Roberts was already under investigation for suspected class A drug dealing when he was caught outside a Birkenhead pub on January 29 this year.
The 29-year-old was initially detained on August 6 last year, when officers on patrol in Birkenhead witnessed him carrying out a suspected drug deal at around 7.25pm. He was searched, and police discovered cash and a Nokia mobile phone containing messages they believed were linked to drug supply.
Roberts, of River View in New Ferry, was arrested. A subsequent search of his address uncovered “scales which had white powder on them, a further set of scales from the same room, a bag of wraps of white powder, and further cash”, Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday.
In total, 14 separate packages of cocaine weighing 2.6g, with a value of £280, were discovered, along with £1,094.95. Roberts was released under investigation, and was nabbed a second time on January 29.
Prosecutor Paul Blasbery said: “On this occasion police were patrolling Charing Cross in Birkenhead at 6.50pm,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
They spotted a crowd outside a nearby pub, with Roberts amongst them. The prosecutor continued: “Police recognised Roberts, who then ran away. He was detained a short time later and appeared to be messing around with his groin area. Officers were aware he was concealing items.”
Roberts was taken to a police station for a search. The court heard that when he removed his boxer shorts, “a clump of faeces fell out”, within which there was a ping pong ball. The ping pong ball contained 50 packages of cocaine weighing 8.76g, with a street value of £1,000.
Mr Blasbery stated Roberts had four convictions for five offences, including possession with intent to supply class B (cannabis) in August 2024, for which he received a nine-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.
Roberts admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply class A (cocaine). He also confessed to violating the terms of his suspended sentence.
Andrew McInnes, defending, described Roberts as being “hopelessly addicted to cocaine”. He said: “It seems he failed every drug test. He explains it was simply impossible for him to escape the spiral he found himself in.
“He’s 30 this year and perhaps surprisingly his first conviction was less than three years ago. Mental health has been an issue for him for many years. He began to use drugs in his late 20s as a means of escaping his problems; initially cannabis and now cocaine. His life spiralled out of control.
“He is the father of two young children and he knows he can offer precious little support to these children until he cleans himself up. Clearly he has not been either a good partner or good father. Realistically he wants to clean himself up and be a good father to both of them.
“He says he has begun to free himself of the addiction. He’s taking steps to try to reduce his intake.”
Judge Andrew Menary handed Roberts a four-year prison sentence and partially activated his suspended sentence, leading to a total prison term of four years and three months.
He stated: “You’re 29 now. You have got a daughter who deserves better than this. I hope during your time in custody you will reflect seriously on the choices that have brought you before this court, and emerge determined to lead a different life. That choice will of course be yours to make.”