Drug Dealer Jailed for 14 Years After £150,000 Drugs Haul Uncovered in Dorset Police Operation
A major drug dealer has been jailed for 14 years after detectives seized more than £150,000 worth of illegal drugs and uncovered evidence of a wholesale supply operation valued at over £1.5 million.
Jose Ivo Ferreira, 35, was exposed following an intelligence-led investigation by Dorset Police’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT). Officers moved in shortly before 5pm on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, stopping Ferreira in Poole as part of the covert operation.
A search of the vehicle revealed three bags of cocaine, a large quantity of herbal cannabis and a substantial amount of cash. Further searches at Ferreira’s home address in Poole and a linked storage location in Corfe Mullen uncovered a significant drugs cache.
In total, officers seized cocaine, ketamine and cannabis with an estimated street value of between £154,380 and £190,210, along with more than £80,000 in cash.
Subsequent analysis of seized mobile phones and other evidence showed Ferreira was playing a leading role in a large-scale wholesale drugs operation. Investigators estimate that, when taking into account the seized drugs and those supplied during the investigation period, the total value of the criminal enterprise exceeded £1.5 million.
Ferreira was charged with possessing class A and class B drugs and a money laundering offence, all of which he later admitted.
He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, 6 February 2026, where he was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.
In addition to the prison term, detectives secured a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO), which will apply for five years following his release. The order places strict limits on where Ferreira can live, his access to digital devices, and the amount of cash he is permitted to hold. Any breach of the order could see him returned to prison for up to a further five years.
Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Halford, of SOCIT, said the case highlighted Dorset Police’s determination to dismantle organised drug networks.
“Through our intelligence-led investigation we were able to identify Jose Ferreira as playing a leading role in a significant drug supply network operating in our county,” he said.
“We understand the impact drug supply and associated crime has on our communities and this case demonstrates our commitment to tracking down those at the heart of this activity, stopping them in their tracks and bringing them to justice.
“As well as facing a significant prison sentence, we have also secured an order that places severe restrictions on him when he is released, which we hope will prevent him from returning to his criminal activities.”
