A DRUG dealer has received a prison sentence after significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis were found in a car he was driving.

Jan Patterson, 45, was caught with the illicit haul when stopped by officers in the Coldwell Road area of Prudhoe area in February 2019.

A subsequent thorough search of the vehicle found quantities of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, as well as over £500 in cash.

A search of his home address saw officers also seize further quantities of cannabis.

Hexham Courant: Drugs seized at Patterson's homeDrugs seized at Patterson's home (Image: Northumbria Police)

Patterson, of Priestclose Cottages, Prudhoe, pleaded guilty to possession of Class A and Class B drugs with the intent to supply.

On Friday, November 4, he was jailed for 33 months at Newcastle Crown Court.

Detective Constable Sharon Walton, who led the investigation, said the case reaffirms the Force's commitment to tackling drug dealing in our communities.

She said: "We hope that this sends a strong message to anyone engaged in drug dealing that it will not be tolerated.

Hexham Courant: Cannabis seized at Patterson's Prudhoe residenceCannabis seized at Patterson's Prudhoe residence (Image: Northumbria Police)

"The most vulnerable in society are affected by drugs and protecting them is among our top priorities.

"Our officers work hard every day to detect and disrupt drug-related criminality, under the banner of Operation Sentinel, and this is the latest success after some outstanding investigative work.

"We receive intelligence daily to help us tackle this kind of illegal activity, and we will continue to use all powers available to us to bring those responsible to justice."

Members of the public who have concerns about drug supply in their area, or have information that can help officers, should get in touch via the Tell Us Something page of the police website.

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