BEDFORDSHIRE, England — A 23-year-old man from Bedfordshire has been jailed after mistakenly sending a drug-dealing message to a police officer’s phone — one of the very officers who had previously raided his home.
Jack Johannesen, of Stirling Close in Sandy, was sentenced to two years and ten months at Luton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and one count of breaching bail conditions.
Bedfordshire Police described Johannesen as a member of an organised crime group involved in the supply of cannabis, crack cocaine, and heroin across Biggleswade and Sandy.
Detective Constable Adam Geary said the case highlighted the force’s commitment to disrupting local drug networks.
“It’s vital that we continue to work together and make our communities an inhospitable place for drug-dealers such as Johannesen,” he said.
The case unfolded in October 2024, when officers executed a warrant at Johannesen’s home.
He was arrested and several mobile phones were seized, including one he had tried to destroy and hide in the kitchen bin. Forensic analysis of the devices revealed that over 400 contacts had received messages advertising available drugs and pricing.
Johannesen was released on bail, but just eight days later, he used a newly registered phone to send a broadcast message advertising his new drug line.
Unwittingly, he included a police officer — who had been part of the initial raid — on the message list.
A second warrant was issued for Johannesen’s arrest in November.
During the search, officers discovered nearly £2,000 in cash, a small quantity of cannabis, and designer items.
They also recovered a hidden mobile phone behind a wardrobe, which revealed itself when it began ringing.
At Friday’s hearing, Johannesen pleaded guilty to the supply-related charges and admitted breaching his bail conditions. He was acquitted on a separate charge of supplying cocaine.
DC Geary urged members of the public to continue sharing information.
“Johannesen is now rightfully behind bars, and we urge anyone with information about other drug-related crimes to come forward so we can continue to secure convictions against others who seek to cause harm,” he said.
