Drug runner supplied cocaine to undercover cop in Southampton

Aram Augier, 36, was caught in 2019 whilst acting as a runner after he supplied cocaine to an undercover police officer during an investigation into cannabis dealing around the city.

Between January 2018 and October 2019, Augier was part of an organised crime group conspiring to import drugs from the US to sell in Southampton.  

His role was to deliver the drugs that were being advertised for sale on social media. 

Southampton Crown Court heard how he met with a police officer who had been sent undercover to make test purchases.

During these meetings, Augier, now of HMP Wandsworth, supplied cocaine as well as wraps, tins and tubs of cannabis.

He was later arrested, accepting that he had delivered drugs to the officer on three separate occasions.

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Augier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class B drug (cannabis) and two counts of supplying a controlled drug of Class A (cocaine).

He was previously remanded into custody when he failed to attend court.

Being produced from prison on Monday, he also admitted failing to surrender to bail, possession of a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug.

Prosecutor, Barry McElduff said Augier had a “fairly limited” involvement in the conspiracy and was only arrested as “part of a wider investigation”.

He added however that he does have previous offences for Class A drug supply including one in 2015.

Augier has 13 previous convictions for 26 offences in total.

Southampton Crown Court.

But mitigating, Shanice Mahmood said her client is in an “unfortunate position” having been remanded for failing to attend court.

“He had been sorting himself out. He had been settling into family life living with his long-term partner.

“Mr Augier had settled into a routine of working. He was working in a garden centre.”

She added however that there was a “complete breakdown in the relationship” leaving him without a place to stay and without work.

“He is a man who presents as someone who has very strong prospects of rehabilitation.

“He has applied himself very purposefully and completed a series of courses.

“He is someone who shows some promise of being able to move forward.”

She also noted a delay in Augier being charged due to the Covid pandemic which broke out shortly after the offending in September 2019.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emily Trevillion, of SEROCU (South East Regional Organised Crime Unit), said: “Augier was part of a wider group who were running a sophisticated operation.  

“He is the last person of the group to be sentenced. 

“This case serves as an example of the dedication SEROCU has in identifying those involved in organised crime and its commitment to bringing them to justice.”