Ashton police detective who stole cocaine from the evidence store was snared after he dropped drugs at daughter's primary school

A former Ashton-based police detective has been convicted of stealing cocaine from police evidence lockers to sell on the streets.

An investigation led by Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Anti-Corruption Unit helped convict Andrew Talbot, 54.

Talbot stole almost four kilograms of cocaine while he was working in the Serious Crime Division at Nexus House, on Alexandria Drive.

Investigations began after Talbot was captured on CCTV dropping a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s primary school in February 2020.

Police searched Talbot, his car, and his home and found more cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence to show he had been abusing his privileged access to the force’s property storage for criminal purposes.

By examining Talbot’s mobile phone, and his use of computer system and operational exhibits, detectives pieced together the full extent of Talbot’s offending which spanned more than two years.

Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Talbot was found guilty of supplying a controlled Class A drug, misconduct in public office and failing to comply with a notice under section 49 of the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

In November 2023, Talbot pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, theft of cocaine, conspiracy, two counts of misconduct in public office and a further charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

Following his initial admissions in court, police sacked Talbot earlier this year at an accelerated misconduct hearing.

Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams, of the Anti-Corruption Unit, said: “Our tenacious investigation into Andrew Talbot uncovered the appalling extent of his criminality, which involved him abusing his position of power for his own personal gratification and criminal gains.

“Through our investigation, it became clear Talbot had stolen a significant amount of Class A drugs from evidence and was redistributing these drugs back into the streets of Greater Manchester.

“Talbot took an oath to be a police officer and to serve the public, but instead began to abuse this position and entered a world of criminality. This was an egregious breach of public trust. It was the reason we've ensured he's been brought to justice for the full scale of his offending.

“This was a lengthy and detailed investigation demonstrating the diligence of the officers in our Anti-Corruption Unit, and this case sends a strong message about the expectations we have for serving police officers.

“We know the vast majority of officers are dedicated and compassionate professionals, but we have no tolerance for anyone like Talbot who is not fit to serve the people of Greater Manchester.”

Rosemary Ainslie, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Andrew Talbot brazenly abused his position as a police officer for many years.

“Not only did he steal drugs from Greater Manchester Police’s own evidence store, he then shamelessly supplied those drugs on the streets of the city he was entrusted to police. 

“His disgraceful criminal conduct and association with convicted drug dealer Keith Bretherton are in stark contrast to his duties as an officer to protect the public, and risk undermining public confidence in policing.

“I hope this conviction serves as a reminder that no-one is above the law and that all offenders will be held accountable.”