A DRUG dealer has been jailed for three years and nine months after being found with heroin.

Sammy Gitaua, right, of Beauchamp Place in Cowley, Oxford, was convicted of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply last week.

The jury reached its verdict after a three-day trial at Oxford Crown Court. He had denied the offence.

The charges came after police searched 26-year-old Gitaua’s home in January and found two deals of heroin and about £1,800 in cash.

Investigating officer Pc Ben Jones said the sentence sent out a message.

He said: “The drugs and cash were found in a bedside cabinet drawer during a search of Gitaua’s home address.

“I hope this case re-enforces our intention to bring anyone involved in the supply of Class A drugs to justice.”

Gitaua admitted possessing cannabis. He was sentenced to a month in jail for the crime which will be served concurrently to the other sentence.

John Sanders, Oxfordshire county councillor for Cowley, last night welcomed the sentence.

But the Labour councillor said: “I believe drugs are a serious problem in Cowley as in other areas.

“But I know the police are working hard to stop it.”