A drug dealer has been locked up after being found in possession of a large knife while a popular family event was taking place close by.

Adham Ali Abdulla, of Grove Street, Stockton, was the subject of the stop search by neighbourhood officers on the evening of August 5, in the 'Chuggy' area of the town as Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) was underway.

While no items were publicly visible, the 24-year-old was found with a large knife, Class A drugs and a large amount of cash.

Abdulla was arrested and charged to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on August 8 and was remanded into custody.

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On Tuesday, he appeared at court again and was immediately sent to prison for four months.

The Northern Echo: The knife seized by Cleveland Police during a search from Adham Ali Abdulla last month. Picture: CLEVELAND POLICE The knife seized by Cleveland Police during a search from Adham Ali Abdulla last month. Picture: CLEVELAND POLICE

Officer in the Case Neighbourhood PC Jack McPhillips said: “This was close to a high-profile family focused event and to even consider being in possession of a knife and Class A drugs is completely unacceptable.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to deal with such offenders and we will do all we can to bring them before the courts.”

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