A DRUG dealer has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being caught selling cocaine and heroin.

Abdalla Ali, 23, was spotted on Bagshot Road and was convicted of possession with intent to supply at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, April 11.

The offender was seen on the evening of February 16 at around 8.30pm and was found to be in possession of 103 wraps of the Class A drugs, as well as a hunting knife.

He admitted all the offences.

Investigating officer, PC Richard Peek, said: “This arrest forms part of a force-wide initiative to tackle drugs and serious organised crime, as part of our Stronghold campaign.

“Thames Valley Police is committed to tackling the misuse and supply of controlled drugs within our communities, and I hope this case sends a clear message that this kind of criminality will not be tolerated.

“We would ask the public to keep informing us of any suspicious activity in their area, so we can act on this intelligence to target offending and provide support to those victims who play an unwilling part.”

Ali, of Havelock Road, Derby, was issued with an 18 month sentence, suspended for 18 months for possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A .

He was also given a four month consecutive sentence, suspended for 18 months, for having a sharply pointed blade in a public place.