DNA evidence snares Mexborough drug dealer

A MEXBOROUGH man has been sentenced to six years in prison for drugs offences after his DNA was found on packages containing heroin and crack cocaine. 

Nathan Watson's fingerprints were found on bags and foil wraps seized during a warrant and a stop and search executed by the Doncaster Fortify Team in Mexborough last year. 

Watson (32), of Flowitt Street, Mexborough, pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was jailed for six years at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (October 28).

In January 2018, officers executed a warrant at a house in Belmont Street and seized quanities of Class A drugs. Approximately £350 of heroin was recovered, along with £770 worth of crack cocaine.

When the packages were analysed by forensic experts, Watson’s fingerprints were found to be on them.

As work continued to disrupt the activities of those concerned in the supply of drugs across Mexborough, officers carrying out patrols in the Flowitt Street area in June 2018 detained a 17-year-old boy after he tried to run from them.

He was found to be carrying 80 silver foil wraps, 20 containing heroin and 60 of crack cocaine, thought to be worth about £800.

Once again, after forensic analysis, Watson’s DNA was found on the packaging.

Det Insp Steve Smith, who heads up the Fortify team, said: "Watson’s fingerprints being on the packaging and the subsequent forensic evidence suggested to us that he was responsible for packaging up the drugs for individual drug deals. 

“The packaging and drugs we seized during these two instances were the same as those being used by other suspected drug dealers in the Mexborough area and we believe Watson was instrumental in this process. 

“I’m pleased he has admitted his involvement and has now been jailed. We are continuing to work hard in Mexborough, to identify anyone involved in the supply of drugs, arrest them, bring them before the courts and make Mexborough a safer and more enjoyable place to be.”

A 24-year-old man arrested at the Belmont Street property, Levi Gough, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug in February of this year and was jailed for three years.

The 17-year-old who was stopped in June 2018 received a 12 month sentence in January of this year for possession with intent to supply Class A, supply cannabis and possession of a controlled drug. He cannot be named for legal reasons.