A DRUG dealer who tried to convince officers that dozens of bags of cocaine found during a police search were for his own use has been jailed. 

Brian Haswell appeared before Durham Crown Court yesterday to answer charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of cannabis.

Ferryhill Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out a search warrant at an address on Eldon Terrace, Ferryhill, in July 2020, with assistance from the Dog Support Unit and response team.

The search at the address uncovered more than 40 individual bags of cocaine, a small amount of cannabis and more than £400 in cash.

Haswell initially tried to claim the drugs were for personal use, however on the day of a scheduled trial he changed his plea, accepting that the drugs were intended for sale.

The Northern Echo:

The 53-year-old, from Eldon Terrace, Ferryhill, was sentenced to a total of 30 months imprisonment for both charges.

He was ordered to pay court costs and a victim surcharge and the court also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.

Durham Police asked anyone with information about drug dealing in their community to call police on 101 or to provide information anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information

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