Drug dealer bought gold bar in Dubai, court hears

Jacob Dobbs, 22, was involved in the sale of cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and nitrous oxide

A former university student who travelled to Dubai to buy a gold bar after dealing Class A drugs faces a lengthy jail sentence, a court has heard.

Jacob Dobbs, of Vespasian Way, North Hykeham, was caught after a raid at his home by Lincolnshire Police which uncovered almost six kilos of ketamine and £83,000 in cash.

The 22-year-old's mobile phone was searched, revealing he was involved in the sale of cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and nitrous oxide.

Dobbs admitted multiple offences, including possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

Dobbs admitted acting as a "middle-man" and taking a 15% cut after becoming introduced to drug dealers through his own habit.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Dobbs first came to the attention of police in 2018 when he was stopped with 15g (0.5oz) of ecstasy. A further 151g (5oz) of ecstasy was intercepted after being sent to his then address from Holland.

Dobbs was later caught with just under 250g (9oz) of cocaine after he was stopped on a second occasion and found to be in possession of a Rolex watch worth £6,250.

A police investigation codenamed Operation Waterloo also linked Dobbs to handling a bag containing £53,000 in cash which was picked up by another man who travelled to Lincoln from the West Midlands.

Following his arrest a police drugs expert analysed messages and tick lists found on a mobile phone belonging to Dobbs.

It linked Dobbs to the sale of 1.2kg (2.6lb) of cocaine, 1,139 ecstasy tablets, 737g (26oz) of cannabis and 30 boxes of nitrous oxide.

Police also recovered vacuum bags and a set of scales containing traces of cocaine and ketamine from Dobbs' address and a second Rolex watch which was valued at between £5,000 and £7,000.

A psychiatric report diagnosed Dobbs with a personality disorder which made him prone to impulsive behaviour and vulnerable to drug dealers.

The court heard Dobbs achieved a place at Nottingham Trent University after returning to education to complete his A-levels and had set up businesses in catering and clothing when he was arrested by the police.

He is expected to be sentenced on Wednesday 17 April.

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