Drug dealer caught red handed is jailed (From Times Series)

Drug dealer from Burnt Oak caught red handed on Finchley high street is jailed

5:34pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Chris Hewett

A drug dealer who was caught in the act on a Finchley high street has been jailed for six years.

Duane Ellis, of Long Field, Burnt Oak, was spotted by police handing a small white packet to a woman in Ballards Lane in March.

As the officers approached him, the 34-year-old threw a golf ball-sized package into a nearby garden.

Tests later showed the bundle contained nine packages of heroin and 19 wraps of crack cocaine with a combined street value of more than £560.

Police also seized two mobile phones from Ellis, on which they found text messages relating to the sale of class A drugs.

Ellis, who has previous convictions for dealing drugs, pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

But yesterday (Tuesday) he was convicted following a five-day trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Mark Hewitt of Barnet CID said. “This conviction follows great work by Barnet officers who spotted suspicious activity in the street and took immediate and decisive action, meaning Ellis was caught red handed.”