A DRUG dealer has been jailed for a year after a cannabis factory in West Howe was raided last month.

Ngoc Deip Ngu was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment at Bournemouth Crown Court after pleading guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis, a Class B drug.

Ngu, 44, who was arrested at the scene of the raid in Moorside Road at around 9am on Thursday, March 27, initially denied the crime and it was listed for trial.

During the bust more than 20 officers, arriving on the scene in two vans, three 4x4 vehicles and other cars and acting on a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant, smashed their way into a house using a battering ram, taking Ngu by surprise.

He was arrested on suspicion of cultivating controlled substances. The police called in electricity officials to make the property safe before examining the interior, where they found ‘a large amount of suspected controlled substances’.

Ngu, of no fixed abode, denied a separate, less serious count of abstracting electricity and no evidence was offered by the Crown.

Police Inspector Andy Edwards, of Bournemouth police, said: “Dorset Police welcomes the severity of the sentence handed down to Ngoc Ngu for his role in the supply of illegal and harmful drugs to communities in Bournemouth.

“This was a successful, proactive operation undertaken by the West Howe Safer Neighbourhood Team, which has greatly assisted in reducing the accessibility of cannabis to the local area.

“The sentencing sends a clear message to all concerned in the production, distribution and use of drugs that these crimes will not be tolerated.

“Dorset Police will take action against offenders and bring them to justice.”

To contact police with information about suspected illegal drug use and supply call 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.