TWO men from Newport have been jailed for a combined total of more than 16 years after attempting to dispose of “high purity” cocaine while being pursued by police.

Jerome Nunes, 26, of Livingstone Place, and David Perry, 32, of Cromwell Road, were in possession of drugs worth “hundreds of thousands” in street value, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

During their “frantic” effort to escape police during the chase, they were seen throwing white powder from the car.

South Wales Argus:

JAILED: David Perry, left and Jerome Nunes

Police recovered up to 832g of cocaine that was between 88 and 99 per cent pure - but it was only "a fraction" of the full amount.

The court heard that on August 8, 2016, the pair had met with another man driving an Audi along Llantarnam Road, Cwmbran.

Perry, who was driving, had parked the Seat Leon close to the other vehicle before the other driver stepped out with a rucksack.

Caroline Rees, prosecuting, described how a police officer driving an unmarked vehicle, saw the other man emerge from the Seat with both a rucksack and a bag five minutes later.

When the defendants went down Newport Road, the officer followed before flashing his lights at the vehicle.

“The car didn’t stop but instead reversed into the police car,” said Ms Rees.

“He then accelerated into the police car and forcing its way through." 

A high-speed chase followed with Ms Rees stating that Perry drove “recklessly”, ignoring the welfare of other drivers and red lights.

The pursuing officer and a civilian eyewitness spotted Nunes throwing “white powder” out of the car.

During his attempts to dispose of a bag, Nunes injured himself by accidentally stabbing his thigh with a knife.

The defendants then arrived at NP19 Tyres garage, owned by Nunes, on Cromwell Road in Newport where where they began cleaning the Seat and changing clothes.

South Wales Argus:

SCENE: Police outside P19 Tyres garage on Cromwell Road in Newport

Ms Rees said CCTV footage showed Nunes making "frantic" calls before police arrived to arrest both men.

She added: "Perry had white powder in his hair, and when asked about it, Perry said it was dandruff.

"There were slash marks on Nunes' thigh and bloodstains on his clothing."

James Tucker, defending Nunes, said that his client had no prior knowledge about the amount of potency of the cocaine prior to the deal.

He added: “[Nunes] knows the harm that he has inflicted onto those close to him.”

The actions of Perry, who had previously served seven years in prison for intent to supply MDMA (ecstasy), were described as a “lapse in judgement” by defending barrister Matthew Buckland.

Both Nunes and Perry had pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, while Perry had also pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving.

Judge Daniel Williams sentenced Nunes to seven years and eight months imprisonment while Perry received eight years and six months, and a further four months for dangerous driving.

Detective Inspector Justin O’Keeffe, who investigated the case, said: "Those who deal in the supply and distribution of class A drugs, don’t care about the impact it has on our communities here in Gwent.

"The sentencing today shows our relentless efforts to bring justice upon those who commit such serious crimes and the continuous work involved to dismantle organised crime.

"This investigation has been painstaking and we hope this gives out the message to the community that drug crime will not be tolerated in Gwent."