Student from Portugal caught dealing drugs in Great Yarmouth

Diogo Menezes, 20, was intercepted by surveillance officers in Great Yarmouth on May 9 this year.

Norwich Crown Court heard Menezes was found with 563 wraps of crack cocaine which weighed more than 48g.

Norwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, said Menezes also had £1,540 in cash as well as a burner phone with bulk text messages advertising the sale of drugs.

Menezes, who is of no fixed abode, had come to this country from Portugal in September last year.

Diogo Menezes (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

He was interviewed by police and made no comment.

But Menezes appeared for sentence on Thursday (July 6) having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine.

Judge Alice Robinson said drug dealing was a "pernicious trade which causes significant harm, destruction and misery to the communities of Norfolk".

Judge Alice Robinson (Image: Newsquest)

The judge said such offences not only affected those addicted to drugs but also those who suffered as a result of people stealing to fund their addiction.

He was sentenced to 28 months in a young offenders institution (YOI).

Rob Pollington, mitigating, said Menezes had come to this country with the intention of studying.

Initially living in London he became involved with a group who were involved in criminal activities.

Mr Pollington said Menezes "became involved and embroiled in a world of drugs".

He said that having found himself in a world "he didn't feel he could get out of" he was "utilised within it".

Mr Pollington said Menezes had shown "naivety and immaturity" in getting involved in the operation but was remorseful and had admitted his involvement.

He said the defendant had expressed desire to make use of his time in custody by studying if he was able to.