A man has been sent to prison for his involvement in county lines drug dealing.

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, Fatjon Lata, aged 24, of Wife of Bath Hill, Canterbury has been jailed for drug offences in Newbury.

Lata pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug of class A, namely cocaine and two counts each of being concerned in supplying a controlled drug of class B, namely cannabis and ketamine.

From September 22 to October 27, 2022, Lata was involved in several offences which resulted in his arrest on a number of occasions, allowing officers to identify his involvement within a county drug line. 

This resulted in a Section 18 search being authorised at an address in Thatcham, which was believed to be the address that Lata was occupying.

Upon entry into the address, a large quantity of suspected class A and B drugs were located.

More than £30,000 worth of drugs were seized from this investigation.

Lata was charged on 27 October last year.

PC Jamie Gosling from Newbury Stronghold team, said: “We are pleased that the courts have handed out a fitting sentence for Lata, who made the decision to travel to Newbury from Canterbury with the intention to deal class A and B drugs.

“I hope this serves as a clear warning to anyone who wishes to deal drugs in West Berkshire.

“The West Berkshire Stronghold team, which tackles organised crime, county drug lines and other drug activity will work tirelessly to ensure these criminals are dealt with robustly and put before the courts.

“If you have any information related to the supply of drugs in West Berkshire then please contact us by calling 101 or make a report online.

“If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 and they will take your information 100% anonymously.”

Lata was sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Reading Crown Court on  June 28.