Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found with over £20,000 worth of drugs in his bag whilst out walking his dog.

Peter Love, from Hayle, was found guilty of four counts of possession to supply class A and B drugs following a trial at Truro Crown Court. 

The trial follows his arrest on 3 October 2025 where he was found to have a significant amount of drugs in his backpack, including heroin with a street value of over £10,000, over 60 grams of cocaine, 26 grams of crack cocaine and 250 grams of amphetamine.

Appearing before the court for sentencing on Wednesday 25 March, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

PC Ellie Sherburn, who supported the investigation, said: “We welcome the sentence Love has been given, serving as a stark warning that there is no place for drug crime on the streets of Devon and Cornwall.

“The negative impact of any and all drug crime is felt widely across our communities, with many vulnerable people affected on a daily basis.

“It’s been a positive result to remove this significant quantity of drugs from our streets and put an offender behind bars who would have played a part in supplying them.”

The court heard how police approached Love, who was walking his dog in a local park on the afternoon of 3 October 2025, following suspicions around his involvement in drug supply.

After giving a false name to officers, Love attempted to flee through the park.

He was quickly arrested and searched, consequently uncovering a significant amount of drugs in his backpack.

Officers continue to target the drug dealers and drug supply on the streets of Devon and Cornwall.

Anybody who has concerns about illegal drugs use in their community should report it via 101 or our website, or 999 in case of an emergency.

You can also report information 100% anonymously via Crimestoppers: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers