A drug dealer who used a lock-up at Ramsgate harbour to produce crack cocaine has been put behind bars.

Aston Cocks, pictured smirking in his police mugshot, will spend three years in jail after he was found with ecstasy and pregabalin.

As well as having the Class A and Class C drugs, the 27-year-old was also found in the possession of £450 in cash when officers searched his Sussex Street home.

He later admitted possession of drugs with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of drugs and possession of criminal property.

Thanet's Community Policing Team carried out the search warrant two years ago following intelligence that Cocks was dealing.

They found MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, with a street value of about £700 and more than 30 tablets of pregabalin - which is used to treat epilepsy and anxiety.

A lock-up used by Cocks at the town's harbour was then searched and evidence was found that it had been used to produce crack cocaine.

Analysis of Cocks' phone showed he had been arranging drug deals with local users.

Investigating officer DC Mark Huttley, said: "Drug dealing all too often leads to other forms of criminality which impact on our community.

"Kent Police is determined to disrupt drug networks at every possible opportunity and I am pleased this investigation has seen another committed criminal removed from the streets of Thanet."

Cocks was jailed for three years following his sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday.

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