A DRUG dealer who was arrested in a pub with £600-worth of cocaine has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after an undercover operation.

Richard Calder was found by plain clothes officers inside The Pillar of Salt in Celvestune Way, Droitwich with 15 wraps of the drug and £620 in cash in his possession.

He was sent to prison following a hearing at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday (September 4), having changed his plea to guilty at the start of the trial.

The arrest, made on April 21, 2017 at 8.50pm, was part of an operation to target class A drug dealing suspected to be taking place in Droitwich pubs.

Calder, 43, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cocaine, and during a subsequent investigation evidence of drug dealing was found on his mobile phone.

He initially denied the offence but was later charged with possession with the intent to supply cocaine on October 11, 2017.

As well as a prison sentence, Calder is also subject to Proceeds of Crime Act legislation which means that any profit made from his criminality will be seized.

PC Bowditch, of Droitwich SNT, said: “This sentence demonstrates the potential consequences of dealing drugs and should be a warning to others thinking of doing the same.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing can report their concerns directly to police on 101 or anonymously on 0800 555111.