A Felixstowe man and his accomplice in crime have been jailed for a total of seven years for drugs offences.

Benny Lee, 31, of Holmhill Drive, Felixstowe and Jamie Duncan, 32, of Henslow Road, Ipswich, were sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday 11 August after pleading guilty to a number of offences.

On 16 August 2021 Lee was stopped while driving on the A14 near Bury St Edmunds. During a search an amount of cocaine was discovered in the van.

Lee was again stopped on 9 November 2021 on the A14 near Ipswich due to the manner of his driving. When stopped, Lee was found in possession of a knuckleduster and an amount of cocaine, while cocaine was also discovered inside the van.

A mobile phone was also seized. From this, police were able to make a connection between Lee and Duncan, and potential drug dealing.

Following an investigation, Lee was arrested on 14 July this year, and subsequently charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply (PWITS) Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug (cocaine), and possession of an offensive weapon.

Jamie Duncan (Picture credit: Suffolk police)

Duncan was arrested on 13 July this year after a search warrant was carried out at his home address. An amount of cocaine was discovered in the property and he was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug (cocaine).

Both were remanded in custody ahead of their court appearance.

Following their guilty pleas, Lee was sentenced to four-years imprisonment for each count of PWITS, four years for being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, and two months for possession of an offensive weapon. The sentences will run concurrently.

Duncan was sentenced to three years for PWITS and three years for being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug. Again, these sentences will run concurrently.

Following the sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Matt Pointin said: "We are pleased to see these men removed from our streets and given the custodial sentences they deserve.

"These sentences follow a thorough investigation that led to guilty pleas from both suspects. This is as a result of the brilliant investigative work of our teams. 

"Drug dealers and their associated criminality bring misery to so many, and often to those most vulnerable in our communities.

"Drugs, drug-dealing and the possession of offensive weapons have no place in our society, and I am delighted that Lee and Duncan will now have time in prison to reflect on their actions."

If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, please contact Suffolk Constabulary. You don't have to be certain, just concerned. Call police on 101, or alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.