A MAN has been jailed for five years after more than £100,000 worth of heroin was found at his house.

Ian Phillips, 54, of Ecos Court in Frome, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of heroin and possession of criminal property at Exeter Crown Court on Monday as a result of a joint investigation between Wiltshire Police and Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

On Tuesday at the same court he was jailed for five years, 15 months and one month respectively for each charge, to run concurrently.

Phillips was originally arrested in Devizes, near the Kennet and Avon canal, in December 2017 and was found in possession of a large quantity of cash.

Officers from the Dedicated Crime Team then searched Phillips’ home in Frome and discovered a significant quantity of heroin, believed to have a street value of more than £100,000, plus items believed to be used in the preparation of drugs for sale. He was released whilst enquiries were completed.

A short time later a drugs warrant was executed by officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and a further quantity of heroin was discovered, so Phillips was again arrested.

DC David Hambly, of the Dedicated Crime Team, said: “This is a great example of Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire forces working together to bring offenders to justice.

"I am satisfied with this sentence and hope it sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate drug dealing, and where we learn of individuals supplying drugs into our county, we will not be deterred by county borders and will work with neighbouring forces to disrupt their criminality, seize their assets and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

"As a result of this operation a significant quantity of heroin has been seized which we believe was destined for the streets of Trowbridge, Frome and the surrounding area."