A DRUG dealer travelled from Cornwall to Basildon to sell drugs - but told police he was “on a date”.

Rashid Miah has been jailed for two years and four months after he was stopped in Butneys, Basildon on May 7.

During a search of his car, officers found 12 wraps of cocaine, 20 wraps of heroin and a bottle of ammonia. He had another wrap of heroin and £335.25 in cash in his pockets.

The 32-year-old of Peverell Terrace, Porthleven, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and was jailed on July 10.

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PC Adam Blackwell said: “During the police interview, Miah said he had been in Basildon to meet someone for a date and while looking for a parking space, a man dropped the drugs into his car through an open window.

“He said the drugs were not his and the money was earned from his job as a waiter.

“Some people think selling drugs is an easy way to earn money, and there are others who are coerced into selling drugs through fear of having violence used against them or their loved ones.

“Selling drugs is a no-win situation for everyone. The risks are just not worth it.”