Oxfordshire police warning as Brazil cocaine dealer jailed

Thames Valley Police’s Wantage and Grove team has said that they will find any drug dealers operating within the town, which is the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, and bring them to justice.

A spokesperson said: “Let this be a clear message: If you come to Wantage to deal drugs, we will find you, and we will ensure you are put before the courts and brought to justice.”

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This comes after Leonardo Silvestre, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on May 12.

Cocaine found by police after the arrest on Denchworth Road, Wantage (Image: Thames Valley Police)

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, namely cocaine.

The court heard Silvestre, who is a Brazilian national, was arrested by police on a moped in Denchworth Road, Wantage, on April 10.

Leonardo Silvestre (Image: TVP)

The police said today (Friday, May 22): “Now, credit where it’s due… he was one of the only ones who didn’t run.

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“I can confirm my legs take a good two days to recover after chasing people… so I might have to start asking judges to factor in an extra two days for my recovery time when deciding sentences!

“On a more serious note: Despite a guilty plea, this sentence shows that the Courts take this type of offending just as seriously as we do.”

The team added: “Thank you to the community for your continued support in helping us keep Wantage & Grove safe. ”