A drug dealer has been locked up for four years after police caught him with 15 bags of crack cocaine and a large amount of cannabis.

Lee Paul Williams was stopped by officers on wasteland on Stockton Road in Middlesbrough, on August 9, and was searched and found in possession of drugs.

The 40-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs.

Williams, of Thornaby, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to four years imprisonment.

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The Northern Echo: Lee Paul WilliamsLee Paul Williams (Image: Cleveland Police)

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Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Chris Hartshorne, from Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Every day we have officers out on the streets of Middlesbrough working to disrupt the supply of drugs into the town.

“Drugs being brought into our towns won’t be tolerated and we are dedicated to tackling the issue. Those who think it’s acceptable will be put before the courts and brought to justice.

“We encourage anyone with information regarding drugs activity to contact us on 101 so that we can take action, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”