A DRUG dealer has been jailed after he was caught in possession of more than 50 wraps of crack cocaine.

Forrest Bentick, of Valley Hill, Loughton, was jailed for two-and-a-half years at Chelmsford Crown Court today (Thursday, September 7) after being found guilty of intending to deal the Class A drug.

On April 6 this year, the 19-year-old was spotted by police in Valley Hill looking suspicious and ran as soon as he spotted the officers.

Police chased him to his home, where he was found to be in possession of £490 in cash and 57 wraps of crack cocaine.

He denied the charge of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply, but was found guilty following a trial.

Investigating officer, PC Jack Etheridge, of Essex Police’s West Operation Raptor team said: “We are pleased to see that our hard work is paying off with yet another drug dealer locked up for a significant period of time.

“Not only has Bentick been taken off the streets but also a dangerous weapon and a significant amount of Class A drugs.

“Our message can’t be clearer– if you are dealing drugs in Essex it is only a matter of time before Operation Raptor come knocking on your door.

“We will continue to tirelessly pursue those dealing drugs in our county and like Bentick ensure we do all they can to get them locked up.”

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

  • Anyone with information about drug or gang-related crime is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.