A drug dealer has been jailed for six years after a police dog found two of his bags which contained a large amount of crack cocaine and heroin in Basingstoke.

Nikodem Jozefow, 23, of Harrow View, Harrow, ran away from officers after they noticed suspected drug-related activity on Cliddesden Road on Thursday 25 September.

Officers searched the area, and a police dog located two plastic bags which contained 27 wraps of crack cocaine, 30 wraps of heroin and 30 grams of loose heroin. A large knife was located nearby.

We launched an investigation, made an arrest in Basingstoke on Thursday 6 November and Jozefow was later charged with drugs supply offences.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A x 2 and possessing a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place. He was jailed for six years at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday 18 December.

Police Staff Investigator Michael Longmore, from the Northern Area Crime Team, said: “Officers were carrying out a proactive patrol when they spotted drug-related activity in the town.

“Nikodem Jozefow fled the scene, but thanks to a police dog, we were able to locate bags which contained a large amount of drugs.

“We launched an investigation and later arrested Jozefow. He was charged and pleaded guilty and will now spend a considerable time behind bars for dealing drugs.

“I hope this sentence highlights that our officers will do everything in their power to ensure Basingstoke is not targeted by drugs networks.

“We know that drug supply causes harm and misery to our communities and is linked to acquisitive crime, as well as some of the most serious violence we see.

“We are determined to keep relentlessly pursuing criminals to reduce the negative impact they have on the local community, making it safe for everyone.”