A DRUG dealer linked to an organised crime group was found to have stashed more than 100 wraps of Class A drugs between his buttocks.

Officers from Operation Raptor, who target county lines drugs gangs, were on patrol in Colchester when they saw four people approaching a car in Lisle Road.

Following what appeared to be a drug deal between the two parties, the officers stopped the car and detained three occupants.

During a strip search in custody, one of the passengers, Darryl Meade, was found to have concealed 60 wraps of heroin and 53 wraps of crack cocaine between his buttocks.

Drug dealing messages were found on a mobile phone, which had been seized from inside the car and was forensically linked to him.

The investigation found he was linked to a London-based organised crime group.

Meade, 29, of Pedro Street, Lower Clapton, London, admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.

He was jailed the same day and was ordered to serve a sentence of three years.

Speaking after Meade’s sentencing, PC Andy Sumner said: “Meade will now be spending months in prison and faces the risk of being in debt to the criminals he worked for because of the drugs they lost when he was arrested.

“This is a dangerous cycle that young people enticed by drug dealing don’t see when gangs flaunt cash in their face and make music videos that glamorise the grim reality of their lifestyle.

“Being in debt to gangs results in violence and serious beatings, intimidation, and pressure to commit further criminal offences, which can be linked to further violence and firearms.

“If you, or anyone you know, is being exploited or forced into selling drugs, there is help available to you.”

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police online or use the live chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

Alternatively call 101 or speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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