A drug dealer from Isleworth has been jailed for three years for possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine and possession of cannabis.

Craig Thomas, 22, of Worton Road, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Kingston Crown Court and was sentenced on Tuesday (April 7).

Plained-clothes police officers from the crime squad were on patrol in Staines Road, Hounslow, on March 16, when they noticed a large number of people gathered in the area, the court heard. They stopped and kept watch.

When they saw Thomas walk from a garage forecourt one of them went to speak to him.

He tried to run away but was chased by the officers and, after a brief struggle, detained.

His jacket pocket uncovered a large cling film ball containing 33 wraps of heroin (6.5g) and in another pocket were 12 individual wraps of cocaine (1.7g).

He was also found to be carrying £567 in cash and a mobile phone which was ringing continuously.

Thomas was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

A search of his home uncovered more drug paraphernalia and a bag of herbal cannabis.

PC John Taylor of Hounslow crime squad said: "Thomas sought to make money by selling hard drugs.

"But often it is local people that have to pay the real price for drug dealers, as those who use illegal drugs turn to crime to fund their habit.

"Bringing drug suppliers like Thomas to justice will help to keep our community safe."