Drug dealer caught by officer on patrol

A drug dealer who tried to run away from a police officer on patrol has appeared in court.

James Zimmerman, 53, immediately turned and walked the other way when he was spotted by the neighbourhood officer in Peterborough city centre on 24 February.

When the officer called out to him, Zimmerman ran off and dropped a small black bag.

After a short chase, Zimmerman was arrested in Lincoln Road and the bag retrieved.

When officers searched him, they found class A drugs, nearly £400 cash, a mobile phone and a car key. The bag was found to contain multiple small packs of additional class A drugs.

The car was identified nearby and searched, with officers finding two additional mobile phones.

Following Zimmerman’s arrest, his home in Gladstone Street was searched, with officers finding crack cocaine worth about £1,880 and drug dealing paraphernalia.

On 27 February the Peterborough Central Neighbourhood Policing Team successfully applied for a three-month closure order on the property, following concerns about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

On Friday (8 May) at Cambridge Crown Court, Zimmerman was sentenced to 21 months in prison, suspended for two years, having admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

DC Joshua Crown said: “This case highlights some excellent work by the officer on patrol. He recognised Zimmerman, someone believed to be involved in drug supply, acting suspiciously and followed his instinct. 

“This action ultimately led to harmful substances being taken off the streets and disruption to drug dealing activity.

“Tackling drug dealing and related anti-social behaviour is a priority for many of our neighbourhood teams as they continue efforts to make our communities even safer.”

For more information concerning the signs of drug dealing, or to report information, visit the dedicated drugs section of this website.