A drug dealer has been jailed after police spotted him selling cocaine from his car.
Plain-clothed officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Knife Crime Team were near Nottingham’s Arboretum when they noticed a man acting suspiciously in the street.
After a few minutes, they saw Luke Bryant arrive in his car, park up, and invite the man inside.
He then left the vehicle and was stopped a short distance away with a small bag of cocaine.
When Bryant’s Nissan Qashqai was stopped by officers a short time later, he was found in possession of several deal bags of cocaine, more than £1,000 in cash, and a Stanley knife.
The cocaine was found concealed behind a plastic trim panel in the driver’s side footwell.
A subsequent search of his hotel room – the key for which was also discovered by officers – uncovered clear plastic deal bags and weighing scales.
Bryant, aged 27, of Branton Crescent, Beeston, told officers he was selling the drugs under duress to clear a debt owed to another dealer.
He later pleaded guilty to possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing a bladed article in a public place.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday, 22 January, he was jailed for 35 months.
PC Ken Tinley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The trade in illegal drugs causes significant harm to our communities by the damage they cause to individuals, and the violent and acquisitive crime they fuel.
“Taking these substances off the streets and holding dealers like Bryant to account are key priorities for us, so those involved in this offending really can expect to come face to face with our officers.”
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