News

Former GMP detective stole cocaine from police storage to sell on Greater Manchester’s streets

The 54-year-old has been found guilty.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 26th September 2024

A former detective has been found guilty of stealing cocaine from police storage to sell on Greater Manchester’s streets.

Andrew Talbot has been convicted following an investigation led by Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Anti-Corruption Unit – which commenced back in February 2020 after he was captured on CCTV dropping a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s primary school.

GMP’s enquiries uncovered that the 54-year-old stole almost four kilograms of cocaine while he was working in the force’s Serious Crime Division at Nexus House.

Shortly after being notified of the CCTV footage, police then went on to search Talbot, his car, and his home, where they found more cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence to indicate that he had been abusing his privileged access to the force’s property storage for criminal purposes.

GMP says it could “confidently piece together” that Talbot’s offending spanned over two years, after examining his mobile phone, and his use of computer system and operational exhibits.

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In November 2023, Talbot pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, theft of cocaine, conspiracy, two counts of misconduct in public office, and a further charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, and following these admissions, he was sacked by GMP at an accelerated misconduct hearing earlier this year.

Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (25 September 2024), Talbot was found guilty of supplying a controlled drug of Class A, misconduct in public office, and failing to comply with a notice under section 49 of the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000, GMP has confirmed.

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“This was a lengthy and detailed investigation demonstrating the diligence of the officers in our Anti-Corruption Unit, and this case sends a strong message about the expectations we have for serving police officers,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams, of GMP’s Anti-Corruption Unit, after Talbot was found guilty this week.

“We know the vast majority of officers are dedicated and compassionate professionals, but we have no tolerance for anyone like Talbot who is not fit to serve the people of Greater Manchester.”

Featured Image – GMP