A POLICEMAN based in Ashton-under-Lyne has been found guilty of supplying drugs he stole from his force’s storage.
Detective Constable Andrew Talbot took almost four kilograms of cocaine while he was working in Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Serious Crime Division at Nexus House, on Alexandria Drive.
And investigations launched after the 54-year-old was captured on CCTV dropping a small bag of cocaine outside his daughter’s primary school on February 13, 2020, uncovered a much deeper web.
Following his arrest when he turned up for work four days later, officers found more cocaine, drug paraphernalia and evidence to indicate he had been abusing his privileged access to the force’s property storage for criminal purposes when they searched Talbot, his car and his home.

By examining his mobile phone and his use of computer system and operational exhibits, the full extent of his offending, which spanned over two years from 2018 to 2020, was pieced together.
Talbot worked closely with a convicted drug dealer, Keith Bretherton, and used his position to give confidential information to help the latter recover a drug debt worth more than £20,000.
Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Talbot was found guilty on Wednesday, September 25 of supplying a controlled drug of Class A, misconduct in public office and failing to comply with a notice under section 49 of the Regulation and Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
In November, he 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, GMP sacked Talbot earlier this year at an accelerated misconduct hearing.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Adams, of the force’s 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 Crown Prosecution Service’s special crime division, added: “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.”
Talbot, who comes from Leigh, will be sentenced in October.