A CRACK cocaine dealer was jailed after police busted him with a stash of drugs in his car.

Merlando Stapleton, 29, of Balfour Road, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 23, to four years behind bars, following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

At a previous hearing, he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A, namely crack cocaine.

Stapleton was also subject to the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and two mobile phones.

On March 10, he was stopped by officers in Hanney Road, Steventon.

ALSO READ: Police hunting for THIS man after string of shed thefts

When they searched his car, they discovered a quantity of drugs.

The 29-year-old was arrested the same day and charged on March 11.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Christopher Hillier, of the Oxford Stronghold team, said: "I am satisfied that Stapleton has been sentenced and has been prevented from dealing drugs to our local communities.

"Through our Stronghold campaign, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation.

 "We need and appreciate the support of the public with this and would always ask you to report any information you have about drugs in our communities to police.

"You can do this by calling 101 or making a report online, or report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online."