Police custody picture released of Portsmouth drug dealer who went on run to USA jailed for 9 years
A drug dealer has been jailed for over nine years for his role in a conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine on the streets of Portsmouth after fleeing to America while on bail.
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Samuel Watts, 29, of no fixed address in Portsmouth, was arrested in April 2020 on suspicion of drug supply offences. However, while on bail he fled the UK and was tracked across several countries before being arrested in New York by the US Marshall Service in February this year.
After being extradited back to the UK, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs heroin and cocaine, and arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation. Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court, Watts has now been jailed for nine years and four months.
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said in April: “A 29 year-old man has been convicted at Portsmouth Crown Court for his involvement in the supply of cocaine and heroin in Portsmouth between February and April 2020.
“Following an investigation led by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Eastern Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) team, with support from the Portsmouth High Harm Team, Samuel Watts of no fixed abode in Portsmouth was arrested in April 2020
“Whilst on bail for the offences, Watts fled the country, resulting in the launch of a subsequent investigation that tracked him across several countries. He was eventually located in New York, USA, where in February 2025 he was arrested by the US Marshalls Service and extradited back to the UK.”