A Teesside drug dealer who was put under "considerable pressure" to sell drugs to pay off his own debt has been jailed. Kelvin Wright sold cocaine and cannabis to users, with police finding chocolate and sweet "edibles" during a raid on his home address.
On Wednesday, Wright, of St Barnabas Road, Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court via link from HMP Durham. He had pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, possession of LSD, and possessing criminal property.
The court heard that on June 2, 2023, police raided Wright's home on St Barnabas Road. Matthew Hopkins, prosecuting, said: "[Officers] saw the defendant leaving the address and attempting to get away. He was located by police and [was found with] a freezer bag of cannabis, grip sealed bags and cash.
"Police then searched his home and found a large amount of cannabis edibles - chocolate and sweets. More cannabis was found in packaging." The court heard LSD was also seized.
On September 26, this year, while Wright was still on bail, another police raid was carried out at his address. Mr Hopkins said: "Police went to the same road, acting on intelligence [Wright] was involved in the supply of drugs."
The court that Wright then made-off when he saw police and attempted to smash his mobile phone before being arrested. In his flat, a large amount of cannabis was found, with a street value estimated to be between £1,500 and £2,270. A solid rock of cocaine, with a value of around £600 was also discovered.
The court heard Wright had 39 previous convictions for 68 offences, 14 of which involved drugs. John Nixon, defending, said Wright began dealing drugs due to "extreme intimidation" and had been a long-term drug user.
He said: "Probation say he would benefit from working in the community. He is doing his best in prison and is working hard. He is on a drug free wing and feels better in himself and has benefitted from the fact he's been remanded."
Sentencing Wright, Judge Peter Armstrong said: "Your basis of plea is that you were under considerable pressure to get involved in supply because of your drug debt." Wright was jailed for two years.