A DRUG dealer has been jailed for seven years after being found guilty of possessing crack cocaine and cocaine with intent to supply.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Tanveer Ayoub, 29, of Every Street, Nelson, had also breached his bail conditions.

The court heard how on March 6, last year, an officer on foot patrol in the Southfield area of Nelson witnessed a man, later found to be Ayoub, throw a package under a trailer which was parked on a driveway.

Following further inspection, the package turned out to be a cigarette packet containing crack cocaine and cocaine with a street value of approximately £5,000.

Ayoub was arrested and subsequently charged with two counts of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Further enquiries led to the recovery of mobile phones, cash and drugs paraphernalia.

Following a three-day trial he was found guilty and sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Judge Andrew Woolman. He must also pay a £170 surcharge to fund victim services.

He will face a proceeds of crime hearing at the same court on June 8.

A 24-year-old woman, later identified as Michaela O’Rouke, of Robert Street, Nelson, was arrested in connection with the investigation and was charged with assisting an offender.

She pleaded guilty to the and was given a 12 month community order by Judge Woolman.

Speaking after the hearing, Sergeant Damian Pemberton, of Pendle Police, said: “This sentence is a great result for the Pendle community.

"The supply and distribution of drugs will not be tolerated in Lancashire, and we will continue to investigate crimes of this nature thoroughly, and bring those responsible to justice."