A DRUG dealer who hid 72 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin inside a sock in his car's glovebox has been jailed for more than three years.

Errol Fairweather was spotted by officers acting suspiciously near to a vehicle in Caelum Drive, Colchester, in December.

He was standing near to a hire car with a known drug user before being seen getting in to his own vehicle and driving off.

Officers stopped him in Southway and during a search of the vehicle the sock, which was stashed full of wraps of class A drugs, was discovered.

The 32-year-old was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

He admitted both charges at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, where he was handed 40 month concurrent jail sentences for each offence.

Mike Lilley, councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said Fairweather's conviction was a "great result".

He added: "We cannot and will not tolerate the exploitation of our residents by callous drug dealers.

“Safeguarding the most vulnerable in our community is a number one priority, which is why we are determined to continue working closely with the police and other community safety partners to help put a stop to this activity and the damage these criminals are inflicting in our neighbourhoods – whether that threat originates from outside or within the borough.”

Fairweather, of Hertford Road, Lower Edmonton, had driven from the capital to Colchester with the drugs inside his vehicle.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Mark Peacock, said: “Fairweather was seen with a vulnerable drug addict by car he hired in London before quickly being stopped and arrested.

"His DNA was found on the wraps and he was living a lifestyle with no legitimate means of funding it.

“This result shows our commitment to pursue criminals who think they can come into Essex to sell drugs or commit gang-related crime. You will be arrested and face justice.

“People like Fairweather blight communities by trying to exploit the vulnerable. The time he spends in prison will allow him to reflect on how his actions affect others.”