POLICE say they are 'committed' to disrupting drug dealers after a man who was found to be in possession of drugs valued at more than £83,000 for a business operation he had set up from the bedroom of his home was jailed.

As reported in the News last week, William David Lewis, aged 24, of Bridport, was sent to prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs as well as possession of a Class C drug, possession of criminal property and the possession of two weapons.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard that a warrant was executed at Lewis' home address at the time, King Street in Bridport, on November 13, 2020.

On Wednesday, March 2, the court heard that items found in the search amounted significantly to the running of a business selling drugs from Mr Lewis' home address, including a large quantity of cannabis which had been analysed by a drug expert to be worth a street value of more than £78,000.

Lewis was also in possession of a smaller quantity of two Class A drugs, MDMA and DOC (an amphetamine), which were found in the search at his property. The total street value of the prohibited drugs found in his possession amounted to more than £83,000.

In addition to the drugs £18,270 was found in cash at Lewis' property, as well as two prohibited weapons, namely two CS cannisters, a small amount of the Class C drug Diazepam and drug paraphernalia, including plastic bags used for packaging and multiple sets of scales.

Commenting on the case, Detective Constable Tracey Cambridge, of Dorset County CID, said: “We recognise the concern that drug-related activity causes to our communities. That is why we are committed to doing all we can to disrupt the activity of those offenders such as William Lewis.

“I am pleased that through our investigation we were able to bring Lewis before the court to face the consequences of being involved in the possession of large quantities of drugs.

“We would continue to urge anyone with information about drug-related activity in their area to report it to us at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”

The judge, recorder Emma Zeb, sentenced Lewis to an immediate custodial sentence of 30 months and 3 weeks. Miss Zeb also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all the drugs and weapons found and a Proceeds of Crime hearing is to be held in relation to the cash. Lewis must also pay a £190 victim surcharge.