DERBY, England — Police officers executing a targeted drugs warrant in Derby were left stunned after discovering a large quantity of cocaine stored openly inside a kitchen refrigerator, alongside everyday household food items. The raid exposed a sophisticated drug supply operation and ultimately led to the conviction and jailing of a local man for serious drug offences.
The discovery was made during a police operation at a flat on Brook Street on June 3, when officers forced entry into the home of 27-year-old James Keely. Body-worn camera footage from the raid captured the moment officers opened the fridge and uncovered large blocks of cocaine placed on a plate next to milk, salad dressing and jars of jam. One officer can be heard reacting in disbelief as the scale of the find became clear.
According to Derbyshire Police, the property was being used as a base for storing, packaging and distributing illegal drugs. As officers moved through the flat, they quickly identified evidence of large-scale drug dealing. In the living room, vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis were found scattered across the floor. Some of the bags were labelled with different names, which investigators believe were used to identify types or batches of the drug.
The kitchen, however, proved to be the most significant discovery point. Instead of being concealed, substantial quantities of cocaine were stored inside the refrigerator, suggesting confidence that the operation would not be interrupted. Officers recovered multiple blocks of the Class A drug, later confirmed to be part of a much larger haul.
Beyond the drugs themselves, police uncovered a range of items commonly associated with organised drug supply. These included numerous mobile phones, laptops, digital storage devices, vapes, and packaging materials. Officers also seized £10,000 in cash from the property.
In total, investigators recovered approximately 10 kilograms of illegal drugs, including both cocaine and cannabis. Police believe the quantity seized indicated supply at a wholesale level rather than street dealing.
Keely was not present at the flat at the time of the raid, but officers arrested him the following day. A detailed examination of the seized phones revealed extensive drug-related communications, including messages arranging sales and deliveries. Detectives also established that Keely had been travelling abroad frequently, which they believe was linked to sourcing drugs in bulk before bringing them back into the United Kingdom.
The case was led by Detective Constable Sophie Wallace, who described the operation as a significant disruption to drug supply in the area. She said the volume of drugs and the level of organisation demonstrated that Keely was deeply involved in importing and distributing both Class A and Class B substances.
“The sheer amount of drugs and related equipment found at the property showed that this was not low-level offending,” she said. “This was a well-established operation that involved sourcing drugs from overseas and distributing them locally. His arrest has prevented a significant quantity of drugs from reaching our communities.”
Keely was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property. He later admitted the offences at Derby Crown Court.
Following his guilty plea, Keely was sentenced to eight years in prison. The court heard that his actions contributed to the wider harm caused by drug trafficking, including addiction, crime, and community disruption.
In addition to his prison sentence, Keely will face further legal proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This allows authorities to recover money and assets obtained through criminal activity. A confiscation hearing will take place at a later date to determine how much Keely will be required to repay.
Funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act are typically split between law enforcement agencies and the government, with a portion often reinvested into community safety initiatives and crime prevention projects.
Detective Constable Wallace said the outcome should serve as a warning to others involved in drug supply. “Those who believe they can profit from causing harm to others should be aware that we will pursue them relentlessly and take action to remove both their freedom and their criminal gains,” she said.
Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling drug-related crime across Derbyshire and continue to encourage members of the public to report suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.
Source:Africa Publicity
