A county lines drug dealer - who said he was only selling to pay off a significant drug debt - has been jailed for two years and three months.

Thomas Wilson, 22, was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 24 January) after pleading guilty to permitting the production of crack cocaine on his premises, possession with intent to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

On Monday 26 October 2023, officers from Warwickshire Police's Serious Organised Crime team stopped a high value hire vehicle near to Baginton Airport and three males were detained for a stop and search.

The rear seat passenger, Wilson, was found to have concealed a large quantity of crack and heroin in his underwear, and several mobile phones were found throughout the car.

Wilson was found with crack and heroin on him when he was arrested (image via Warwickshire Police)

All three were arrested and a subsequent search at Wilson's home address in Marlcroft, Coventry uncovered a kitchen used to cook crack cocaine.

In total, £6,250 of Class A drugs were seized from stopping the vehicle and searching Wilson home address.

Detective Constable Mottram from Warwickshire Police Serious Organised Crime & Serious Organised Acquisitive Crime Team said: "Drug dealers such as Wilson take advantage of addiction and show complete disregard for the impact their activity has on local communities.

"Drug dealers often think they can operate without consequence. However, as we continue to show, people who exploit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities can expect a robust police response and time behind bars.

"This was another example of county lines drug dealing being stopped."

In total, £6,250 of Class A drugs were seized from stopping the vehicle and searching Wilson home address (image via Warwickshire Police)