Drug dealer caught by police during 'routine road check'
A man has been jailed after police uncovered drugs and cash during a routine roadside check in Guildford.
The police check took place on December 2 2025 as part of Surrey Police’s winter drink and drug driving campaign – Op Limit. Officers identified discrepancies with the vehicle’s registration and insurance details.
While speaking to the driver – Joao Brandao Dos Santos, 26, from Redhill – they also noticed he had two mobile phones and a large quantity of cash. He was detained while officers searched his vehicle.
A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “ A large sum of cash was recovered and both mobile phones were seized due to suspected links to drug supply.
“A drugs dog was deployed and indicated the presence of drugs within the vehicle. Although no drugs were initially located, further searches resulted in a white sock being found on Brandao Dos Santos's person containing multiple grip seal bags of a white powder, later confirmed to be cocaine.
“A search of his home address later uncovered digital scales, a further quantity of cocaine totalling 16.14 grams, and additional cash totalling £1,512.50.”
Brandao Dos Santos was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on April 22 to 30 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine), driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving without insurance.
He was also ordered to pay £228, given six penalty points, and £1512.50 in seized cash was forfeited.
A police spokesman said: “Op Limit may run during the festive period, but our work to tackle criminality on Surrey’s roads continues all year round. “This stop shows how proactive policing can uncover far more serious offending. What began as a routine roadside check quickly led to the discovery of drugs intended for supply in our communities. “Anyone who thinks they can use the road network to commit crime should be clear – we are out there 365 days a year. The consequences don’t end after Christmas. As this case shows, they can lead to significant prison sentences and long-term impact on your future.”