A DRUG dealer caught red-handed in the middle of a deal has been jailed for more than four years.

Officers from the South Operation Raptor team were patrolling shops in the Riverview Court area of Vange on October 20 last year when they spotted 52-year-old Richard Nichol acting suspiciously.

52-year-old Nichol, of St Agnes Drive, Canvey was in his car when it was approached by another man, who leant through the front window.

Suspecting a drug deal was about to take place, officers blocked Nichol’s car in and carried out a search.

They saw he had a plastic bag - containing what is believed to be cocaine inside - in his mouth which he subsequently swallowed.

He was also found to have £40 cash, a wrap of cocaine in his back pocket and various mobile phones. Nichol was also smoking cannabis at the time.

Following his arrest Nichol was taken to hospital for treatment following his consumption of the drugs.

He was later charged with supplying a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of the Class B drug cannabis.

Nichols admitted the charge of supplying cocaine and possession of cannabis when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court and was jailed for four years and six months.

Following the sentencing Sgt Ben Woollard of the South Operation Raptor team said: “If you think that you can come to our county to deal drugs, just remember that you never know when or where we might be waiting for you.

“Nichols drove to a busy shopping area in Vange in the middle of the day and thought he could carry out his drug deal unnoticed. But we were ready and waiting for him and he is now where he belongs – behind bars.

“The length of his sentence reflects how seriously both Essex Police and our criminal justice partners treat those who blight our communities by supplying drugs.”

Nichols was sentenced on Wednesday.

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

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.