DRUG dealers who came to Southend to operate out of a hotel room have been caught and sentenced.

One man is behind bars and thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been seized after Essex Police busted the “county lines” drug operation.

In January 2016, police were called to Gladstone Guest House, Hartington Road, Southend, after receiving reports from neighbours men were dealing drugs from there.

Officers responded and stopped 18-year-old Shane Kambiri in the corridor near the suspected room.

He was searched and found with cash and a phone which contained evidence of drug dealing on it.

He also had keys to the room.

In a bid to warn a fellow drug dealer police were outside, he yelled “Bugsy” repeatedly before police entered the room.

Inside, police found Justin Samuel along with 51 wraps of cocaine, worth an estimated £520, and 117 wraps of heroin, worth between £1,100 and £1,700.

Officers also found £620 in cash.

The court heard Samuel had rented this room before and was the one who rented it on this occasion.

Both men were arrested and charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply and initially denied the charges but 29-year-old Samuel, of Corporation Road, Dorset, changed his plea to guilty two months later.

Kambiri, who is now 20 and from Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, maintained his innocence and was found guilty after a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Sentencing them at the same court on Friday, recorder Clair Davies said: “Mr Samuel you accepted being recruited into running the operation in Southend.

“You were offered £500 for your services although you say you were never given this money.

“You were the one in that room looking after the drugs and not taking the risks by delivering them yourself.

“You were clearly involved for financial gain.”

Samuel was sentenced to three years in prison.

The court heard Kambiri, who had a difficult upbringing involving being a ward of the council, was recruited to deal drugs in Southend.

Recorder Davies added: “Mr Kambiri you have no credit having been convicted after a trial.

“Your background is what can only be described as a tragic one.

“There are present several features of a lesser role. “You were clearly the one sent to deliver the drugs.

“It is your age and your naivety that plays heavily on my mind. “You are in a position in your life where my decision will have a dramatic effect.” He was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for two years with a curfew for nine months. Recorder Davies added: “Take this opportunity, don’t make the court regret it.”