A drug dealer who was caught by police in the act while on release from jail has been put back behind bars.

Ajay Yadav was on release from prison on a two-year licence when he was caught dealing Class A drugs in Sandford Avenue, Loughton, on February 9 this year.

Officers from Essex Police’s West Operation Raptor drugs crime team had been on patrol in the area when they spotted a known drug user walking with another man.

They then saw the drug user getting into a vehicle driven by 27-year-old Yadav before leaving again shortly after.

Suspecting a drug deal had taken place, officers stopped the car and carried out a search, where they discovered £200 in cash and a mobile phone.

Yadav, of Woodford Avenue, Ilford, was later charged with two counts of possessing a Class A drug and a further count of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

He admitted the charges when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court and was jailed for four years three months on Tuesday (October 31).

Due to the fact that he was subject to a two-year prison licence at the time of committing the offence, Yadav will have to serve a total of six years and three months.

Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “For anyone that thinks the life of a drug dealer is glamourous, this case clearly demonstrates it absolutely isn’t.

“As soon as we spotted Yadav he was arrested, charged, put before the courts and locked up for a significant period of time.

“Hopefully he uses that time behind bar to reflect on a possible career change.

“We will continue to target those people who are intent on attempting to sell illegal drugs in our county, ensuring that there is no place for them to hide.”