A DRUG dealer from Winsford has been jailed after officers found more than £250 worth of crack cocaine and heroin in one of his socks.

Raymond Cartwright admitted having some drugs in the sock on his left foot when officers executed a search warrant at his home in Ford Court shortly before 11am on Thursday, May 16.

There was more than twice as much class A drugs in the sock than the 52-year-old said there was when officers found him in a bedroom and explained that a drugs dog would be searching the property.

Officers found 21 wraps of crack cocaine and five wraps of heroin in the sock.

The combined street value of the drugs seized is estimated to be £260.

Officers also found £1,829.95 in cash in a tub in the bedroom.

Cartwright claimed the drugs were for personal use and the money had been saved up to buy back items from a pawnbroker.

But he was convicted of two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and possession of criminal property (the money seized) at Chester Crown Court on Friday, October 18 following a two-day trial.

Cartwright was sentenced on the same day. He was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

PC Jamie Roberts, who led the investigation on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Illegal drugs have blighted communities across the United Kingdom and cause untold damage to the lives of both people who get addicted to them and the wider community who suffer from the resulting crime.

“Cheshire Constabulary will not stand by and let this happen.

“Removing those involved in drug dealing from our communities is of paramount importance and I am delighted that Raymond Cartwright is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.

“He has previous convictions regarding drug dealing.

“The sentence handed to Cartwright recognises the severity of his offending and I hope that this case sends out a clear message to other potential criminals that the use and supply of illegal drugs will not be tolerated in Winsford or elsewhere in Cheshire.”

On top of his custodial sentence, Cartwright was ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

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A forfeiture order was secured for the £1,829.95 seized from his home. It will be used to help fight crime in Cheshire.

PC Roberts added: “While this investigation has now concluded our fight against illegal drugs and those who supply them continues and I urge anyone with any information about suspected drug related activity in their community to get in touch. You will be listened to and we will investigate the matter.

“You can report suspected drug dealing to us directly by calling 101. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”