Drug dealer hid stash of crack cocaine in fake beer can

A drug dealer who hid 157 wraps of crack cocaine in a fake beer can has been jailed.

Sean Lutchman was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for drug dealing in Cambridge in 2021 and 2023.

The 36-year-old of Mitcham Road, London, was first arrested in January 2021 after enquiries linked him to drug dealing in the area.

Then on 6 March last year (2023), officers were carrying out enquiries at a house in Annes Road, Cambridge, when they found Mitcham inside the property ‘having a lie down’.

Within the property they found a fake beer can containing 157 wraps of crack cocaine along with 33 wraps of heroin, with a combined street value of more than £2,400, in his sock. Mobile phones and £300 in cash were also discovered.

Lutchman was granted bail with conditions not to enter Cambridge city and to report to Brixton Police Station every Monday and Friday. However, he was caught in the city in October and further CCTV checks revealed he had sent someone else to sign on at the police station on numerous occasions.

At Huntingdon Law Courts yesterday (13 March), Lutchman, was sentenced to six years and six months after being found guilty of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin. He was given an additional five months for perverting the course of justice which he pleaded guilty to. His total sentence was six years and 11 months.

Detective Constable Marcus Johnson and PC Nicola Pike investigated the case. “The supply of class A drugs and the violence that is associated with it continues to be a priority for the Constabulary. I hope this sentence will send out a clear message that those involved in these activities will be pursued and brought to justice,” DC Johnson said.

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, contact police online.