Two men sentenced for drugs offences in Northampton

Two men have been sentenced for drugs offences in Northampton following an investigation by Northamptonshire Police.

Alin Lacatus, aged 25, and Adrian Lupu, aged 21, were pulled over in Greenwood Road, Northampton, on the evening of February 18, 2020, after officers detected a strong smell of cannabis from the Audi A4 they were travelling in.

The car was searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and dealer bags of cannabis, and a quantity of what was later shown to be cocaine, were found in the boot.

Subsequent searches at their homes resulted in the seizure of items including multiple SIM cards and scales.

On Wednesday, August 16, the pair appeared before Northampton Crown Court for sentencing.

Lacatus, of Southampton Road, Northampton, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, after admitting possession of a Class B drug, cannabis.

Lupu, of Gordon Street, Northampton, had admitted possession with intent to supply a Class B drug - cannabis, possession with intent to supply a Class A drug - cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He was given two 24-month sentences, suspended for 24 months, and one six-month sentence, suspended for 24 months, all to be served concurrently, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work before August next year.

Investigating officer PC Louise O’Sullivan said: “Lacatus and Lupu were arrested as part of our proactive work tackling drug crime, and the evidence we recovered showed them to be involved in the supply of cannabis and cocaine within Northampton.

“Their convictions demonstrate our commitment to targeting those at all levels of involvement in the supply of illegal drugs, which destroy lives and affect our communities. We won’t stand for this, so if you’re involved in drug-related offending, sooner or later it will be your turn in court.”

Tackling drug harm is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police – read more here: https://www.northants.police.uk/police-forces/northamptonshire-police/areas/northamptonshire-force-content/about-us/about-us/policing-priorities/drug-harm/

Report suspicious activity and non-emergency crime by calling 101 or online at www.northants.police.uk/RO. In an emergency, always dial 999.