A DRUG dealer is behind bars and a crack den has been put out of business as police vow to stamp out the 'evil' of drugs.

Officers found hundreds of pounds worth of crack cocaine and a synthetic stimulant when they raided 42 Mill Street in Diglis, Worcester.

The dealer, who attempted to flee the scene, even had a photo on a mobile phone of the cash he had made spread out on a bed.

Jamie Lines, 25, of Ombersley Road, Worcester, who smirked throughout the hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, admitted possession of crack cocaine (class A) with intent to supply and possession of a synthetic stimulant (class B) with intent to supply.

Emma Gaffney, 34, of Rose Avenue, Tolladine, Worcester, admitted permitting premises to be used for the supply of the drugs, one count for class A and the other for class B.

Both defendants admitted the possession of criminal property - £550, the proceeds of drug dealing.

Simon Cooper, prosecuting, said plain clothes officers saw Lines leaving 42 Mill Street in Diglis, Worcester at about 10.35am on July 11.

When they attempted to detain him he ran off, jumping over a wall before entering the back garden of a neighbouring property.

When he was stopped he gave false details to officers.

Later Gaffney was seen arriving at the same address, smoking a cannabis cigarette. She was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Police searched the address. A white substance was found in a storage box in Gaffney's back bedroom, identified as the synthetic stimulant alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP).

There was 9.21g of the class B drug, worth £200 if sold in bulk or between £180 and £360 if sold in street deals.

Police also found 1.33g of crack cocaine rocks in 16 wraps.

The crack cocaine was of 67 per cent purity and worth around £160 and would have been sold in 16 street deals worth £10 each.

Officers also seized £550 in cash, proceeds from dealing and mobile telephones.

In interview Gaffney initially admitted holding cash for Lines which she knew to be the profits of dealing but said she did not know he was dealing from the address.

However, in a second interview she confirmed she knew he was using the address to deal drugs.

She said she did nothing to prevent the dealing 'for fear of reprisal'.

She also told officers she did not benefit financially or otherwise from the sale of the drugs or allowing the property to be used.

Lines gave a no comment interview to police but later said he supplied the drug to others who then sold them to users.

Simon Cooper, prosecuting, said Lines's role was 'significant' and said the fact he was not dealing the drugs directly to users suggested he was 'higher up the chain'.

Richard Gibbs, for Lines, said: "There was knowledge of the scope of the operation, albeit he's not the head or nowhere near the head of the operation.

"He was involved in the supply of drugs to others for forward supply. That isn't street dealing."

However, judge Robert Juckes said this may imply that he was 'above the street dealers', higher up the chain.

Mr Gibbs said Lines had been a 'custodian' of the phones and had a 'prolific' class A drug habit of £100 a day and had run up a debt of around £4,000.

"He was given a choice to either assist in this operation or face difficult consequences."

He also cited Lines as being 'unusually gallant' for defending Gaffney from attacks from a boyfriend.

"He has a dreadfully troubled past. His life in the future will mimic the past unless he takes a grip of it and sorts it out" said Mr Gibbs.

Peter Hemming, for Gaffney, said the mother-of-four had found permanent accommodation, having been evicted from her previous address and had suffered at the hands of a previous partner.

Judge Robert Juckes QC jailed Lines for three years and nine months.

Gaffney was handed an 18 month community order and placed on a three month electronically tagged curfew between 8pm and 7am. She must also complete a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Juckes ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and the confiscation of the cash.

DI Stu Murphy of West Mercia's Priority CID said after the hearing: "This result sends out a message that we will not tolerate drug dealing in South Worcestershire.

"With the support of our communities, we will act on local information, and community concerns in order to make South Worcestershire a hostile environment for those groups or individuals who think it is okay to deal drugs.

"Let me make this clear, if you continue to deal in this evil commodity then expect a visit from your local police.

"I would also urge those who use illegal drugs to seek advice and support from your GP who will signpost you to substance misuse workers."

Those who have suspicions about drug dealing can contact West Mercia Police on 101.