THE boss of a taxi firm was caught using his cab for drug deals in an undercover police operation. Vincent Hopkins sold cocaine and amphetamines to an undercover policeman riding in the back of his taxi as it cruised around Faversham, magistrates at Sittingbourne were told.

Hopkins, shaven-headed and tattooed, admitted four drugs charges, including supplying and possession. The magistrates told Hopkins their powers of sentencing were not great enough for the case and committed him to crown court for sentencing.

Hopkins, 39, of Willow Avenue, Faversham, had admitted supplying cocaine and amphetamines, offering to supply cocaine and possession of cannabis.

He was the target of an undercover police operation in July, said Claire Moulsher, prosecuting. An undercover officer, who called himself Mick, called Hopkins' mobile phone to see what kind of drugs he could supply.

Arrangements were made for the pair to meet in Preston Street, Faversham, where Hopkins, who is a co-owner of Faversham Taxis, would supply £40 worth of amphetamines. Miss Moulsher said: "The officer waited outside the Hole in the Wall pub for the defendant and within a few minutes he had pulled up in a white Vauxhall Vectra with Faversham Taxis signs on it.

"Mick got into the back of the vehicle and the defendant drove off around the town, returning to Preston Street about five minutes later."

During the journey Mick had bought the drugs and Hopkins had offered to supply him cocaine. A week later the undercover policeman phoned Hopkins again and bought £50 worth of cocaine from the taxi driver. Once again the deal took place in the cab.

Police raided Hopkins' home on September 27 and found a small amount of cannabis and drugs paraphernalia commonly used by cocaine users, including scales, a razor blade and a mirror.

When interviewed Hopkins, a cocaine and cannabis user, told police it was the first time he had ever supplied drugs. He claimed he did it as he owed a friend a favour and said he had not dealt drugs since. He said the car he had used was his partner's father's vehicle and had since been sold.

Court chairman Elizabeth Tullberg, told Hopkins: "We are not prepared to sentence you. We feel our powers are not great enough and we will send you to crown court for sentencing on a date to be notified."

Hopkins' legal aid was extended and he remains on conditional bail.