A DRUG dealer from Harlow has been jailed for three years thanks to the West Operation Raptor team.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how officers from the specialist team were patrolling in Harlow on 14 September 2017 when they became suspicious of a vehicle, which then attempted to evade them.

Officers stopped the car and carried out a search of the passenger, 22-year-old Bryan Santos, who was found with mobile phones linking him to the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

Santos of Berecroft, Harlow was arrested and officers carried out a search of his parents’ home, where he was known to stay, where they found £1,200 in cash in his bedroom and a black box containing cocaine residue.

The court also heard how on June 4 last year officers from the West Operation Raptor team were patrolling in Berecroft, Harlow when they saw Santos again acting suspiciously.

Santos was searched and found to have mobile phones linking him to drug supply, cash and a wrap of cocaine in his pocket.

On both occasions Santos was arrested and charged. He pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to two counts of being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug cocaine, two counts of being concerned in the supply of the Class B drug cannabis and possessing a Class A drug. He was jailed for three years.

Following the sentencing Det Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “It was absolutely clear from the evidence found on Santos on both occasions that he was actively involved in the supply of both cocaine and cannabis.

“But now we have put paid to his drug dealing and put him behind bars where he belongs.

“We cannot be clearer that if people think they can sell drugs or commit criminality on the streets of Essex, they are sorely mistaken and, just like Santos, we will catch them, charge them and put them before the courts.”

Santos was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 24 April.

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your area call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.