Police officer convicted of misconduct and cocaine supply in Manchester
Ex-detective stole cocaine, sold it with dealer's help, breaching public trust
A police officer has been convicted of misconduct and supplying class A drugs after stealing cocaine from his workplace to sell on the streets of Manchester. Andrew Talbot, a former detective in Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) serious crime division, took nearly 4kg of cocaine from an evidence store. He used police systems to search for drug dealers to aid in selling the drugs, according to Liverpool Crown Court.
Talbot supplied cocaine between 2018 and 2020. He was apprehended after accidentally dropping a small bag of the drug outside his daughter’s school in February 2020. Following this incident, a search at his workplace revealed more cocaine. Drug paraphernalia and a GMP property bag with traces of cocaine were also found at his home. Cocaine recovered from two police operations, stored in the evidence room, was weighed, revealing a significant quantity missing. A piece of paper in Talbot’s car matched the property number for the cocaine, and photos of the drug were found on his phone.
Jurors heard that Talbot, 54, conspired with drug dealer Keith Bretherton to sell the cocaine, providing Bretherton with confidential police information to help recover a £20,000 drug debt. On Wednesday, Talbot was found guilty of supplying class A drugs, misconduct in public office, and failing to comply with a notice under the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000. He had previously admitted to other charges, including possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, theft of cocaine, and unauthorised access to computer material. Talbot was dismissed from the force in August 2024, which GMP stated was the earliest legal opportunity.
#SENTENCED | A former detective has been convicted of stealing cocaine from police storage to use for street supply.
Our anti-corruption unit helped bring Andrew Talbot (54) to justice for the full extent of his crimes.
Read more here: https://t.co/Mpr4eZEQnI pic.twitter.com/Ba6IH2nEeu
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) September 25, 2024
Bretherton, 50, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, and conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. Both Talbot and Bretherton, from Leigh in Greater Manchester, will be sentenced on 18 October.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams of GMP’s anti-corruption unit described Talbot’s actions as “appalling,” stating that he abused his position of power for personal gain. She emphasised that Talbot had taken an oath to serve the public but chose to engage in criminal activities instead.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Guardian reports on Manchester detective Andrew Talbot’s conviction for stealing cocaine from the evidence locker and distributing it, highlighting the severity of police corruption and misconduct in public office. (Read more)
- Yahoo News reports on the shocking case of Andrew Talbot, a disgraced detective who dropped a bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s school, leading to his dismissal and eventual conviction for drug distribution and misconduct in public office. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the police officer found guilty of stealing cocaine?
Andrew Talbot.
How much cocaine did Andrew Talbot steal?
Just under 4kg.
What led to Andrew Talbot’s arrest?
He accidentally dropped a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s school.
What charges was Andrew Talbot found guilty of?
Supplying class A drugs, misconduct in public office, and failing to comply with a notice under the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
When will Andrew Talbot and Keith Bretherton be sentenced?
On 18 October.
