Clacton: Drug dealer stopped by patrolling officers jailed for five years

A drug dealer who was caught by patrolling officers in Clacton and later found to be stashing cash, drugs and weapons in his home has been jailed for five years.

Harry Trotter, 30, was behind the wheel of a white Audi A14 in Holland Road, Holland-on-Sea, on 22 March 2019, when his driving attracted the attention of eagle-eyed officers.

The vehicle was seen to turn right into Kings Avenue heading towards the junction of Kings Avenue and Kings Parade.

As officers entered the road, they noticed the car had crashed into metal railings nearby.

Trotter was seen to exit the vehicle and was the only occupant.

During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered two small bags of white powder, leading them to arrest Trotter on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

A search of Trotter’s home address in Preston Road, Holland-on-Sea, uncovered further quantities of cocaine and MDMA.

A further warrant was executed at his address on 14 July 2022, with officers recovering £7,000 in cash, scales and drug-related paraphernalia.

Also seized from Trotter’s home were a variety of weapons, including an extendable baton, a knuckleduster and two Tasers.

Across a thorough and forensic investigation, we were able to link Trotter to the purchase and onward sale of at least 250 grams of cocaine in March 2022.

We established Trotter distributed the cocaine to users via a dedicated drug line.

Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, he admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply MDMA, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of criminal property.

At the same court on Wednesday 26 July, he was sentenced to five years and seven months imprisonment.

'Evidence gathered was overwhelming'

Detective Sergeant Rob Dines, of our Serious Crime Directorate, said:

“The evidence gathered against Trotter throughout this investigation was so overwhelming and irrefutable he had no option but to admit his guilt.

"Every day of the week there are teams working within Essex Police that are dedicated to disrupting and dismantling drugs networks.

"Our specialist teams within the Serious Crime Directorate and Serious Violence Unit work in partnership with local policing teams to ensure that Essex is a difficult place to supply drugs.

"Those supplying such substances have no regard for the suffering of the vulnerable and exploited users at the end of the chain."

At Essex Police, we value difference, and know that we’re strongest when we all work together.

If you share our values and want to protect and serve our communities, why not join us?

If you think you could protect and serve the people of Essex, either as a police officer, member of staff or volunteer, why not see if you fit the bill?

Find out more by visiting our careers page.