A DRUG dealer has been jailed for three years after police officers discovered a large amount of cocaine and cannabis at his home.

Rikki Godsell, aged 42, of Chestnut Park, Kingswood, Wotton-under-Edge, has been sent to prison after a drug raid uncovered 64.39 grams of cocaine, a significant amount of cutting agent, 92.14 grams of cannabis and £4,530 in cash at his property.

Godsell was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday, Thursday, November 9.

Prosecutor Jack Borras said after receiving intelligence, police raided the property on November 9, 2021.

Mr Borras said: “Officers arrived at the property at 10.30am and told him that they believed a drug dealing operation was being conducted from this address.

“Godsell told the police where a black holdall was located and he indicated they should look in a chest of drawers.

"A large quantity of cocaine along with a significant amount of a cutting agent, cannabis and cash were found.

“Godsell’s phone was also seized which, after examination, revealed that he had seven regular clients and had been drug dealing for some time.”

Giles Nelson, defending, said: "Since this period of time he has turned his life around and maintains that he has not reoffended since.

"Godsell got involved in drinking and drugs as a teenager and over the years he built up a debt and turned to dealing drugs to pay this debt back. 

"His involvement in drugs meant he lost his job as a labourer.

"However, he has got himself a new job and stopped taking drugs after this arrest. 

"He is looking forward to serving his time and on release getting on with his life.

"He is a man who has changed.”

Godsell pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of cocaine on November 9, 2021 in Berkeley with intent to supply and possessing a quantity of cannabis with intent to supply to others on the same date.

Judge Lowe told Godsell: “This was quite a significant drug dealing operation which was born out of your own spiralling drug debt.

"You turned to dealing as an easy way to make money.

"However the delay between your arrest in November 2021 and October 2023 when you first appeared at court is a disgrace. 

"There is a backlog in prosecuting cases, which is far too long and in the meantime you’ve turned your life around and you have the support of your family who are in the public gallery and I am sure will stop you reverting to your old ways in future.

“I have no choice but to impose the least sentence I can, which is a prison term of three years.”

Commenting on the outcome of the case, Sgt Garrett Gloyn of Berkeley Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Although the outcome of this investigation has been a long time in coming I hope it further demonstrates the capability of your local officers to investigate and bring to justice drug dealers operating in our communities. 

"If you have information about similar offences you can report it via our website or contact Crimestoppers to report it anonymously."