A DRUG dealer who was using a hotel as a base for his operation has been jailed for 13 years.

Dajour Dacosta, from Elmworth Grove, London, was arrested in Newbury on October 25 last year.

The 21-year-old was in possession of 39 wraps of crack cocaine and 31 wraps of heroin, which had a potential street value of £700.

More than £1000 cash was also seized by Thames Valley Police.

Investigating officers received intelligence of Dacosta using a nearby hotel as a base for his drug dealing, even though he had only been in the town for four days.

Dacosta was postal charged on February 6 and he admitted to possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession of criminal property.

He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (August 25) and was sentenced to 13 years.

Following the sentencing, PC Chris Eaton from Newbury police station said: “Drug dealers coming to Newbury will be caught and prosecuted and this case is another example of the hard work conducted by the team last summer.

“The team is now part of Stronghold - a Thames Valley Police initiative to deal with organised crime and those who benefit from the proceeds of crime.

"This is a county-line drug dealing investigation involving organised London gangs attending market towns in the Home Counties to sell drugs.

“The hotel concerned were very helpful in assisting with the apprehension of Mr Dacosta and I would continue to ask that any local hotels remain vigilant for suspicious any activity.”