A FATHER-OF-TWO has been jailed after he was caught with heroin he was selling for his dealers — to pay off his debts to them.
Colin Cooper, 49, appeared at Swansea Crown Court, pleading guilty to four counts of producing cannabis, possession of heroin with intent to supply and possession of methadone.
John Lloyd, prosecuting, said police conducted a drug search warrant at Cooper's two bedroom flat in Jeffreys Court, Penlan, where cannabis plants were found, grown for Cooper's personal use.
"Two grow lamps and a fan were found, but not what would be described as a professional set up," said Mr Lloyd.
He told the court that various quantities of heroin were also found in the flat, including 845 milligrams of the drug with a 13 per cent purity on a chest of drawers.
"This was worth £30 to £40, and was the remainder of a deal.
"Three large selophane wraps were inside the same chest of drawers, with 1 ounce deals, and a whole sale value of between £1,500 and £2,700," added Mr Lloyd, who said that a further 12 individually wrapped deals were also found, of a value between £600 and £900.
A number of foil rolls linked to drug use and £640 cash were also found.
Ian Wright, mitigating for Cooper, said his client had been a heroin addict for the best part of 17 years, following the breakdown of the relationship with the mother of his children.
Judge Huw Davies QC, said: "Drugs, particularly heroin, cause substantial problems in our communities, and leads to ill health of those who are addicted to it, and causes people to commit crime, as you have, in order to fund your habits."
Cooper was jailed for 30 months for possession of heroin with intent to supply and four months concurrently for cannabis production.
No separate penalty was given for the methadone.
