A DRUG dealing duo who funded their lifestyle by selling illegal substances were beginning a lengthy stint in jail today following a hotel raid.

Jamie Maslin and Christopher Grant made a living from selling Class A and B drugs up until they were caught red-handed during a police-sting operation.

Officers received a tip-off that the pair were selling drugs at a hotel in Thatcham and arrived to find them in possession of drugs including MDMA, Ketamine and cocaine.

They were arrested on the scene and bailed pending further inquiries, but the warning did not deter Maslin from continuing to supply drugs, and he was caught selling substances at a pub in Midgham just weeks later.

The duo were later charged with a string of drug-related offences, which they admitted in court, and were jailed for a total of nearly eight years.

The judge heard how Maslin and Grant took motivation from the quick financial awards from selling drugs.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “At around 10.50pm on 12 September 2016, officers attended a hotel in Thatcham after a report of a drug dealing taking place there.

“Maslin and Grant were arrested after being found in possession of MDMA, cocaine, ketamine and cannabis, with an estimated street value of £2500. Officers also seized £2225 in cash.

“At around 12.40am on 17 October 2016, officer attended a pub in Midgham, where Maslin was arrested after being found in possession of MDMA, cocaine and ketamine, with an estimated street value of £1200. Officer seized £399.95 in cash.”

The duo appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday for a sentencing hearing and 28-year-old Maslin, of Bourne Road, Thatcham, was jailed for four years and six months for five counts of possession with intent to supply and a single charge of possessing criminal property.

Grant, aged 25 and of no fixed abode, was jailed for three years and four months after admitting single charges of conspiracy to supply drugs, possession with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Police Constable Jamie Hanks, based Newbury Police Station, added: "Maslin and Grant were clearly making a living from dealing both class A and class B drugs in the Newbury and Thatcham areas, motivated by the quick financial rewards.

"They were dealing drugs in public places with no regard to the impact on the community.

"This is a great result for the community and a reminder that police take a no nonsense approach to drug dealing, continuing to prosecute dealers and seize the proceeds of their criminal activities."