A New Malden drug dealer has been jailed for three years for possessing £25,000 worth of cocaine.

Mark John, 29, of Egmont Road, was caught with a third of a kilo of the class A drug when police raided his home in October last year during Operation Odin.

Officers also found electronic scales and wrappings.

John pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply the drug at an earlier hearing and was sentenced on Wednesday, December 17, at Kingston Crown Court.

DCI Clare Moxon of Kingston police said: “This is an excellent result which is all part of Kingston's police commitment to tackle drug dealing and associated crime.

“We know our communities are concerned how drug dealing affects their areas.

“Operation Odin is an on-going initiative by Kingston police which aims to reduce the crime and anti-social behaviour associated with drugs and drug dealers across the borough.

"We are using a variety of tactics to dismantle and disrupt drug supply lines onto the streets, estates and educational establishments of Kingston."

Police are appealing for residents to speak to their ward officers if they are suspicious of anyone in their neighbourhood who may be involved in possessing or supplying drugs.

Contact details for your ward can be found by visiting met.police.uk/Kingston or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.