A SOUTHAMPTON man has been locked up for drug dealing offences.

Owen Catton pleading guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs - crack cocaine and heroin.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday, the 29-year-old of Bridge Road was jailed for three years.

The court heard, how on August 4, police officers raided an address in Bridge Road, Southampton and another in Montserrat Road, Basingstoke as part of an operation to smash an active drugs network in Southampton.

Police enquiries identified that Catton was holding the drugs line, which had been used to send marketing messages advertising the sale of Class A drugs.

During the searches, officers found the mobile phone used to send these messages.

Detective Sergeant Russ Smith from Southampton’s Proactive team said “This is a great result that has taken a drug dealer off our streets and helped to protect people from drug-related harm.

“There is an undeniable link between drugs and violence and that is why disrupting drugs supply networks is a crucial part of our work.

“We are committed and doing everything we can to tackle drugs and associated crime in our city and keep our communities safe.

“I hope this sentence acts as a warning to anyone considering becoming involved in the supply of drugs in our city, it will not be tolerated.”

Anyone who suspects drug-related activity their area is urged to call police on 101.