A MAN has been jailed after more than £50,000 worth of drugs were found behind a loose ceiling tile in a property in Southampton.

Mohammed Artan, 36, appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday accused of possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine.

It comes after a police crackdown on drug trafficking sparked a raid on a property in Centenary Plaza, Southampton.

Southampton’s High Harm Team carried out the warrant on March 11.

At around 8.15am that morning police forced their way into the building without alerting anyone to their presence.

Artan was found in the property and stopped whilst a search was carried out.

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An officer then noticed a loose ceiling tile by the front door and upon moving it, found a large clear bag filled with white powder.

A further inspection of the ceiling cavity then uncovered digital scales, cling film and other substances believed to be Class A drugs.

The 36-year-old of Golden Grove was then arrested.

Tests revealed the substances were cocaine and crack cocaine with a street value of £22,700.

The heroin was also found to be worth £28,700.

Another substance was found to be a cutting agent used in drug production.

Artan pleaded guilty at crown court and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

The confiscated items are now set to be destroyed.

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DC Andrew Ferguson, from Western Investigations, said: “Drugs, especially Class A drugs, cause massive harm to our community. As well as the damage it can cause to the life of the person taking them, the production and supply of drugs brings with it organised crime, serious violence, possession of firearms and exploitation of vulnerable adults and children.

“Artan was a link in the supply chain which has been broken now he has been put behind bars.

“County Lines Intensification Week is a more high-profile example of the work we do all year round in Southampton, particularly by our High Harm Team, to disrupt drug dealing in the city.

“We hope this sentencing shows that as a force we will do all in our power to get offenders to court and make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place to live.

“I would also urge anyone with information about drug dealing in their neighbourhood to report it to us so we can carry out warrants like this and arrest offenders.”

To report information, call 101.

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