A DRUG dealer has been sentenced to three years in jail after he admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Andrew Steven Lal, of Kilburn Road, Middlesbrough, was caught with 89 one-gramme packets of the drug when police raided his home in August. The 20-year-old was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

When officers raided his house, they also found drugs paraphernalia, including scales and bags associated with drug-dealing.

Detective Sergeant Chris Sadler said: "This is a significant case. Lal was clearly involved in the large-scale distribution of cocaine, a Class A controlled drug, which wrecks the lives of others.

"There appears to be some people in society who consider cocaine to be a glamorous drug. However, I would like to point out its use brings death and misery to many people each year."