A DRUG dealer was found with 40 bags of cannabis stashed in a lunchbox before police found a large machete in his home.

Dursun Gunes, of Ramuz Drive, Westcliff, was stopped by police in his car on August 22, 2021, after officers became suspicious of his vehicle. Officers searched the silver Ford and several items were found including a “significant” amount of cannabis packaged into different sized bags.

Gunes initially gave police a false address, but after they discovered where he lived a machete was found in his home which he claimed was for his own protection. The 22-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court yesterday.

Joe Bird, prosecuting, said: “This defendant was stopped in a silver Ford alongside a co-defendant and officers found significant quantities of cannabis.

“The cannabis was packaged and labelled with different well known flavours and this defendant was taken to the police station for questioning. He gave a false address to officers and the occupants at that address were quite distressed when officers turned up. Following a search of his proper address a large machete was found in his room which the defendant said he had for his own protection.”

Gunes was also found with £485 in cash in the vehicle when initially searched and was “very candid” when giving admissions of his involvement.

Mr Bird added: “The defendant said this dealing had gone on for a couple of years as he saw it as an easy way to make money.

“He saw others making money so decided to set up his own line and worked with someone else.

“In my submission that brings him into a significant role, with his own operation to make money selling directly to users.”

Caroline Milroy, mitigating, also pointed to Gunes’ frank admissions when speaking about his involvement.

She added: “Mr Gunes was only 20 at the time and is now doing an internship.”

Her Honour Judge Samantha Leigh handed Gunes a seven month sentence suspended for 18 months with a 40 day rehabilitation activity requirement, 80 hours of unpaid work and given three months of monitoring.