Southampton father found with drugs stuffed in trousers

Blaine Latta, 33, was battling his addiction to drugs and trying to repay a £3,000 drugs debt when he was stopped by police.

Latta was a passenger in a “suspiciously driven” Vauxhall Corsa in Shirley that caught the attention of officers, Southampton Crown Court was told.

The car, driven by a 75-year-old man, was flagged down by police who searched the vehicle, Latta, and his co-defendant 35-year-old Daniel Barnes.

Prosecuting, Michael Mason said: “Latta was found with £175 cash, and there were £1,390 cash in the footwell between his feet.

“A set of weighing scales were uncovered, and when searched, both defendants were found with further items hidden in their underwear.”

Wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, with an estimated street value of more than £2,500 combined, were also located.

Around 32.29 grams of heroin and 33.08g of crack cocaine was found.

Sitting in the dock, Latta loudly whistled before interjecting: “That is a lie."

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Mr Mason added: “A large amount of cash and weighing scales were found between the defendant’s feet in the car.

“This was consistent with drugs supply and earlier sales.

“The defendant was in possession of a large quantity of drugs, meaning there was a level of trust different to that of a low-level runner.”

Mitigating, Andrew Houston said Latta is still “comparatively young” and has detoxed while in custody.

He said: “Mr Latta is clearly in a position to try and make some headway in trying to become a useful member of society again.

“It is a tragedy really, that drugs have ruined a life at this young age."

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Latta, of Spring Road, Southampton, admitted two charges of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

Barnes, of Church Lane, Blackfield, also pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Passing sentence, Judge Nicholas Rowland said: “This is Class A drug dealing and it is a significant sum you were trying to get paid off.

“It is a particularly depressing background; you have four children you do not see and you are involved in drug dealing.”

Latta was sentenced to two years in prison.