A flood of new cases have opened up after a drug dealer was caught using a photograph of his hand while holding ecstasy tablets. The photograph is believed to have been taken and distributed in an attempt to sell the banned substances.

In what is now Britain’s first What’s App fingerprint conviction, South Wales Police used pioneering techniques to enhance the fingers in the photograph. The mobile phone was obtained after an arrest during a drug investigation in Bridgend.

South Wales Police have hailed this investigation as ‘groundbreaking’ and said officers are now looking to open up other investigations based on the images on seized mobile devices.

Innovative Police Work

The photograph in question was found on a mobile device during an investigation into known drug dealers. Police investigations began after receiving tip-offs that drugs were being distributed from a residence in the village of Kenfig Hill. A subsequent police raid on a residence discovered a significant haul of Gorilla Glue – a potent strain of cannabis.

While accessing the device, a police officer noticed a photograph within a series of messages dating back several months. The messages sent were asking potential buyers what substances they would like to purchase, as well as detailing the availability of other products.

According to South Wales Police, the image of the middle and lower parts of the finger were analysed by the Scientific Support Unit, a joint venture between the Gwent and South Wales police services. Initially, the prints did not match the records of fingertips held on national databases. Combined with other evidence however, police were able to establish who had masterminded the operation. The enhanced image enabled fingerprint experts to identify Elliott Morris as the man who sent the photograph.

Mr Morris, his father Darren and mother Dominique, were subsequently sentenced to eight and a half years for conspiracy to supply cannabis.

An Opportunity for Police

This investigation has opened up the flood gates for police services around the United Kingdom, potentially opening up countless cases where fingerprints can be identified.

South Wales Police have previously led the way in pioneering police techniques, which make use of digital technology. In the recent past, the force piloted the use of controversial automated facial recognition technology during the Champions League Final in Cardiff.