A DRUG dealer has been found guilty of supplying crack cocaine after police stopped and searched his car.

Ryan Baptiste, 28, of no fixed abode, was arrested on January 20 and charged by police the next day with one count of possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

At 4.30pm on Monday, officers kept an eye on a suspicious car in Home Farm Close, Reading.

Police carried out a stop and search and found a large quantity of class A drugs and cash was seized.

Sergeant John Chen of the Reading Stronghold team, said: “Through Stronghold, Thames Valley Police is committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation such as county lines drug dealing.

“We continue to need the support of the public in this and we would ask them to please report any information they have about drug dealing so we can build intelligence about the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

“Our new True Costs campaign aims to highlight the real impact of drug offences on the most vulnerable in our communities

Baptiste was then arrested and appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court yesterday (January 22) and pleaded guilty to both offences.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Reading Crown Court for sentencing on a date to be confirmed.

Sgt John added: “Children as young as seven in the UK have been groomed in to the world of drugs and we are exploring what the real harm is in taking a little cocaine.

"Our new campaign True Costs is also highlighting and exploring the devastating harm of drug use on our communities.

“Children as young as 12 have been found to be involved in the drugs trade in the Thames Valley.

“If you are concerned about drug-related crime in your area or think someone may be a victim of drug exploitation, please call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”