Rugeley Cocaine Dealer Sentenced After Police Uncover £5.5k in Shed Safes
Staffordshire Police have secured a conviction against a cocaine dealer from Rugeley, who was found with thousands of pounds stashed in safes within a garden shed. The discovery followed a targeted operation that began with officers observing a suspected drug deal in Rubery last September.
Surveillance Leads to Arrest
Officers spotted a drug transaction involving the driver of a BMW and subsequently tracked the vehicle back to a residential property. The driver, identified as Robert Studzinski, 44, of Rugeley, was arrested at the scene. During a search, police found him in possession of 12 snap bags of cocaine, two mobile phones, and £30 in cash.
Cash and Drugs Seized in Raid
Upon searching the home, authorities uncovered two safes concealed in a shed, containing a total of £5,545 in cash. Additionally, cocaine with an estimated street value of £4,500 was seized during the operation. Studzinski was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and possession of criminal property.
Court Sentencing and Police Statement
Studzinski admitted to the offences in court. At Stafford Crown Court on Thursday, February 26, he was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. A Staffordshire Police spokesperson commented on the case, stating, "We’re working hard every single day in Staffordshire to tackle serious and organised crime on our streets." The spokesperson added that proactive teams, in collaboration with local officers and partners, arrested 354 individuals suspected of involvement in serious crime between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related activities in the region, resulting in significant seizures and prosecutions.
