Prominent Derbyshire drug dealer jailed for five years

A prominent drug dealer who is believed to have supplied cocaine across three counties has been jailed for five years.

Derbyshire Constabulary launched a lengthy investigation after receiving intelligence that Christopher Dixon was a prominent drug dealer operating across south Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire.

His criminal enterprise began to unravel when officers stopped his vehicle on 29 January 2024 in Marley Way, Drakelow, near Burton-upon-Trent.

A large amount of halved plastic Kinder egg holders were discovered in the car which were suspected to have been used to conceal drugs. Dixon also had a large amount of cash on him. 

He was arrested and taken to St Mary’s Wharf Police Station where officers searched him and discovered a Kinder egg containing nine wraps of cocaine hidden in his underwear.

Officers conducted a further search of his home in Chatham Drive, Drakelow, during which thousands of pounds were found hidden under a mattress.

A mobile phone officers recovered also showed evidence of messages relating to drug dealing.

Officers secured a production order to gain access to the financial records of Dixon and an associate, which showed about £300, 000 had been flowing through their accounts despite neither of them having a job and both claiming benefits.

He was bailed whilst our investigation continued but officers discovered he carried on with his drug dealing activities. 

In January this year, officers executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Swadlincote that was linked to Dixon, during which they found cocaine with a street value of £12, 000 concealed in a lock box.

A large zombie knife and a zombie machete was also located at the scene.

Dixon became aware of the search warrant and went on the run, but officers from the Swadlincote Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) managed to trace him to a hotel in Litchfield, Staffordshire, and swiftly arrested him again.

He gave a no comment interview and was remanded into custody.

Dixon was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

The 40-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for five years at Derby Crown Court on Friday 24 April.

Police Constable Alexander Boniface, who led the investigation, said: “Dixon operated his criminal enterprise through fear and arrogance believing that we was untouchable by police.

“He overtly showed off by driving expensive vehicles in order to conduct his drug dealing, spending large amounts of money on holidays and cosmetic procedures in Türkiye, all whilst claiming benefits with no legitimate employment.

“Officers from the SNT worked with colleagues in other departments and with the community in order to build our case again Dixon which led to a successful prosecution.

“In the end, Dixon’s arrogance was his downfall and we are all pleased that he has been put behind bars for a considerable amount of time.

“This should serve as a warning to other drug dealers that the law will always catch up with you in the end.”