A drug dealer who tried to hide bags of cocaine from police by stuffing them into his underwear has been jailed.

Leonardo Abreu da Silva, 20, of Rookery Way, Lower Kingswood, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs on New Year’s Day this year.

After he was stopped in a car park in Redhill, officers say da Silva became “obstructive” – refusing to sit in the police car and trying to flee from the scene.

It was when he arrived in custody that a sock containing six small bags containing white powder was discovered in his underwear.

Further searches also found a “significant” quantity of cash and a mobile phone, which police believe was used to sell drugs.

Tests confirmed the white powder was in fact cocaine before da Silva was charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug and concealing criminal property.

Da Silva was already on court bail for several drug-related offences and possession of weapons, according to police.

After appearing at Guildford Crown Court on January 30, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to more than three years in a young offender institution.

The 20-year-old was also issued a £170 victim surcharge while ordered to pay £1,500 towards the prosecution costs, which was satisfied by the cash seized by Surrey Police.

PC Steve Ellis, Reigate and Banstead specialist neighbourhood officer, said: “We will not tolerate drug supply or drug related crimes that impact on our communities.

“If you see signs of drug dealing, please contact us. Information received from the public adds to the bigger picture and builds our intelligence.”