Suspected drug dealer, 36, skips police bail (From Gazette)

Suspected drug dealer, 36, skips police bail

3:00pm Thursday 9th August 2012 in Colchester

A SUSPECTED drug dealer has skipped bail.

The man, 36, was arrested after police found 170 cannabis plant at an industrial unit off The Avenue, Wivenhoe, in April. He was bailed until the beginning of July, but has since disappeared.

A police spokesman said: “We were forced to release this man with police bail as we had to complete some further enquiries.

“We still need to question him, but realise he could have returned to his native country or to London.”

The spokesman said he was not a danger to the public, but asked anyone with information about the raid on April 3 to come forward.

Essex Police refused to reveal his name or picture.

Robert Needham, a former mayor of Wivenhoe and former police officer, said: “One wonders why he was bailed in the first instance.

“I suspect they needed the results of tests, and were not in a position to proceed with the charge.

“It is a typical example of red tape.”

Anyone with information call Colchester police on 101.