Covid Fallout, Ex-Soldier Turns to Cocaine Business After Waste Disposal Firm Fails

…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. Joseph Johnson, a former British Army soldier, has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being caught with £750,000 worth of cocaine.

Johnson, 34, was arrested on Moorland Road, Stoke-on-Trent, after being spotted by an officer.

Joseph Johnson has been jailed for seven years
Joseph Johnson has been jailed for seven years

Three packages containing 2kg of cocaine were recovered, with an estimated street value of £200,000 each.

Police also found 1kg of cocaine, worth £100,000 if sold on the street, and two more packages containing 250g, worth £25,000 each.

The court heard that Johnson had been linked to an address on Moorland Road and had attended the property 135 times in 83 days.

He pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug with intent to supply.

Johnson had been a member of the Royal Horse Artillery from 2005 to 2009 and became a bricklayer after leaving the Army.

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'In total the cocaine was worth between £226,000 and £339,000 wholesale and up to £750,000 if sold in street deals,' the court heard
‘In total the cocaine was worth between £226,000 and £339,000 wholesale and up to £750,000 if sold in street deals,’ the court heard

He launched his own waste disposal business in 2019, but the Covid lockdown led to the business failing.

Johnson’s defence claimed that he had been approached by a friend who offered him an opportunity to make some financial gain, which led to the commission of the offence.

The judge in the case described it as a “tragic case” and acknowledged that Johnson had been under pressure due to the failure of his business, the Covid lockdown, and the birth of his child.

He also noted that Johnson had not been personally supplying or dealing drugs to people on the street.

Analysis and Commentaries:

This news article reports on the sentencing of Joseph Johnson, a former British Army soldier who was caught with a large amount of cocaine.

It is concerning that someone who had served in the military and had their own business could turn to unlawful means to support their partner and child.

The Covid lockdown has had a devastating impact on many businesses and individuals, and it is important for the government to provide support to those who are struggling.

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The case also highlights the dangers of drug use and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

The judge noted that drugs ruin lives and that there are many people who appear in court every day whose lives have been ruined by drugs, particularly class A drugs.

It is important for society to address the root causes of drug use and to provide support and rehabilitation for those who are struggling with addiction.

Overall, this news article serves as a reminder of the impact of Covid on individuals and businesses and the importance of providing support to those who are struggling.

It also highlights the dangers of drug use and the need for society to address the root causes of addiction.

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