Basildon Drugs Haul: Rang Rover Stop Uncovers £38k Cash and Party Bag Narcotics
Traffic Stop Turns Up More Than Christmas Crackers
On Friday 1 December, officers pulled over 30-year-old Thomas Salton driving a Range Rover in Basildon. Salton appeared nervous and agitated during the stop.
Checking the boot, police found party bags stuffed with innocent-looking Christmas crackers and sweets. But mixed with the festive treats were bags of ketamine and nitrous oxide canisters with balloons.
‘Naughty and Nice’ Drug List Found Alongside £38,000 in Cash
Officers also seized over £38,000 in cash. Among the haul was a ‘naughty and nice’ list identifying party guests who chose illegal drugs in their bags. A non-disclosure agreement bearing Salton’s name topped the list.
Warrants Lead to Storage Units and Shocking Drug Stash
After arresting Salton, police raided his Hunters Court home in Brentwood and two storage units in Vange.
- Vacuum-sealed psilocybin mushrooms
- More ketamine bags
- 408 nitrous oxide canisters in 17 boxes
Salton Sentenced to Nearly Three Years for Drug Crimes
Salton admitted possession with intent to supply Class B ketamine and Class C drugs at Southend Crown Court on 8 January. He also admitted having Class A drugs (psilocybin mushrooms) for personal use and possession of criminal property.
On 19 February, he was sentenced to 35 months in prison.
