A DRUG dealer is behind bars after more than £150,000 worth of drugs seized following an intelligence-led operation by detectives.

Jose Ivo Ferreira, 35, was the subject of an investigation by Dorset Police’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT).

Following enquiries, the defendant was stopped shortly before 5pm on Wednesday, November 12 last year in Poole.

A search uncovered three bags of cocaine and a large bag of herbal cannabis, as well as a large quantity of cash.

Further searches were conducted at Ferreira’s home address in Poole and at a storage location in Corfe Mullen.

In total, officers discovered cocaine, ketamine and cannabis with a total estimated value of between £154,380 and £190,210 as well as more than £80,000 in cash.

Analysis of seized mobile phones and other evidence indicated Ferreira was playing a significant role in a wholesale operation for illegal drugs, with the total value of the seized items and drugs supplied during the period of investigation estimated at over £1.5 million.

Ferreira was charged and subsequently admitted possessing class A and class B drugs as well as a money laundering offence.

He appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, February 6 and sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Detectives also secured a serious crime prevention order, with restrictions in place for a period of five years from when the defendant is released on prison with limitations on where he lives, his access to digital devices and possession of cash.

If he breaches the order he faces returning to prison for up to five years.

Det Chief Insp Jamie Halford of SOCIT said: “Through our intelligence-led investigation we were able to identify Jose Ferreira as playing a leading role in a significant drugs supply network operating in our county.

“We understand the impact drug supply and associated crime has on our communities and this case demonstrates our commitment to tracking down those at the heart of this activity, stopping them in their tracks and bringing them to justice.

“As well as facing a significant prison sentence, we have also secured an order that places severe restrictions on him when he is released which we hope will prevent him returning to his criminal activities.”