TWO men have been jailed for dealing drugs on the Esplanade in Weymouth - while police appeal for the whereabouts of a third man alleged to have been involved in the operation.

Karan Patel, aged 26 and of Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth, and Grantley Woodall, aged 23 and of Kittiwake Close in Bournemouth were both sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday, November 18.

Patel was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of cocaine at an earlier trial and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Woodall admitted the same offence during the course of that trial and was given a two-year jail term.

Police officers responded to reports of drug-related activity on June 19 in 2019 on the Esplanade in Weymouth.

The officers witnessed three men conducting what they believed to be drug deals and then enter an address in Upway Street.

The three men were released as the investigation was carried out and they were subsequently issued with postal requisitions to appear at court.

A third man who arrested at the time, Maxence Pierre Bonte, 27, pictured below, failed to appear at court when required and is now currently wanted by police. 

Dorset Echo:

As a result of police enquires officers believe he may have left the country.

Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Dorset Police, said: “Dorset Police is committed to taking action against those involved in dealing illegal drugs in our communities and ensuring those involved in the supply chain are identified and brought before the courts.

“We are indebted to local communities for any information that can assist in this ongoing effort and I would urge anyone with information relating to drug related activity in their area to please report it to us.”

Anyone with information relating to the supply of drugs or suspected drug related activity can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.

Anyone with details relating to the whereabouts of Maxence Bonte is also urged to report it via the same channels. If you see Maxence Bonte you should contact 999 immediately.