A man found hiding a kilo of cocaine in his sofa cushion has been jailed for more than five years.

Sarkot Hama was arrested in August after officers raided his flat in Westborough Road, Westcliff, and discovered £45,000 worth of cocaine concealed in a cushion on his living room sofa.

The 34-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of class B drugs.

He admitted the offences and was sentenced to five years and four months in jail when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court last week.

Det Con Lee Warrington said: "To be found in possession of this quantity of drugs shows an involvement in a high level of organised crime.

"The lengthy sentence passed shows that the supply of drugs into our communities will not be tolerated.”