A PAIR of drug dealers who were thwarted by a member of the public have been put in prison.

Fusum Tedla, of Brixton Road, Lambeth, and Evija Sazonova, of Lingard Avenue, Barnet, were sentenced to three years at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday.

Thames Valley Police acted on intelligence from a member of the public, who believed that deals were being done in a car on Chandos Road, Newbury.

Police officers located the vehicle, stopping it in Chieveley, and found several mobile phones, a quantity of cash and seven wraps of heroin.

Tedla, 31, and Sazonova, 26, were convicted of possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of criminal property following a five-day trial in November.

Tedla and Sazonova were arrested at the scene and charged with the offences on August 15 last year.

Investigating officer, PC David Burleigh said: “I am pleased with the jury’s verdict and custodial sentence given to Tedla and Sazonova who came from London to West Berkshire to sell drugs.

“County drug line runners need to be aware that they cannot prey on the vulnerable in West Berkshire and get away with it.

“Thank you to the public for their continued support of the police and providing vital information when dealing and fighting crime in their community.”