Drug dealer, 49, jailed for seven years after he was caught with 61 wraps of crack cocaine and cocaine when riding a bike in Basingstoke

A drug dealer has been jailed for seven years after he was caught with 61 wraps of crack cocaine and cocaine when riding a bike in Basingstoke.

Jason King, 49, of Evesham Walk, Basingstoke, was riding his bicycle in an alleyway near Jersey Close when an officer was already searching two men who were acting suspiciously on Thursday 20 July.

One of the men had a phone in his hand while the other had cash. As this was happening, King approached and tried to ride straight through the officers and the two men.

The officer grabbed King and pulled him off his bike. King was searched and found to be in possession of 60 wraps on crack cocaine, one wrap of cocaine and one wrap containing cannabis resin.

Later, a further search was conducted in custody and 26 wraps of heroin and an additional wrap of crack cocaine were found in his underwear and pocket.

King was charged and pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug of Class A and Class B.

King denied two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A but was found guilty by a jury following a three-day trial at Winchester Crown Court. He was cleared of one count of acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.

On Friday 5 January, he was sentenced to seven years in prison at the same court.

Trainee Detective Constable Pippa Barker, who led the investigation, said: “On 20 July, an officer proactively stopped two men who were acting suspiciously in Basingstoke.

“Moments later, Jason King rode past on his bike and the officer instinctively stopped him and found more than 60 wraps of Class A drugs on him, with a further 26 wraps being later found in custody.

“King was charged and put before the courts and a jury found him guilty of two counts of possession with intent to supply. The sentence given to King means another drug dealer will be off our streets.

“I hope this highlights that our officers will do everything in their power to ensure Basingstoke is not targeted by drugs networks.

“We know that drug supply causes harm and misery to our communities and is linked to acquisitive crime, as well as some of the most serious violence we see.

“But we want you to know that our officers will relentlessly and proactively pursue criminals in the district to ensure Basingstoke is a safe place to live, work and visit.”