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Drug dealer caught after accidentally leaving purse containing heroin and cocaine in supermarket

Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)
Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)

A drug dealer who was caught by police after accidentally leaving a purse full of heroin and cocaine in a Nottingham supermarket has been jailed.

Shantae Duporte, 20, had hidden up to £2,000 worth of drugs in the purse which she forgot at a store in Hyson Green on the afternoon of 10 February last year, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The shop’s security staff found the purse, examined its contents and then contacted the police.

Officers were on the scene when a woman approached the security desk to try and retrieve it at around 5.45pm.

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Police quickly uncovered the identity of the woman as Duporte who is renowned for storing drugs for other dealers.

Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)
Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)

She had hidden the drugs in the purse that belonged to another woman - allegedly unbeknown to her.

Officers searched Duporte’s home, seizing items consistent with drug supply, such as digital scales, deal bags and a phone.

The 20-year-old was then summoned to court charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin.

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She pleaded guilty to the offences on 17 November and was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Derby Crown Court on Thursday.

Constable Mark Tindall, said: "Whilst there are some humorous elements to this incident, it could have been extremely serious had the heroin and cocaine been found by a child, for example.

"Drug dealing is taken really seriously and is something that we want to completely eradicate in Nottinghamshire.

Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)
Shantae Duporte was caught after leaving purse filled with drugs in a supermarket. (Nottinghamshire Police)

"I'd like to thank everyone who assisted with our enquiries which resulted in us being able to take yet another dealer out of the supply chain.

"We'll continue our work to combat drug dealing and welcome any information from members of the public about this issue, please call us on 101."

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