A Swaffham man has been jailed for 11 years for drug dealing offences.

Keith Wright, aged 58 and of no fixed address in Swaffham, pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, April 12, and was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment.

Wright admitted to being is possession of heroin with a street value of £10,600 when officers issued a warrant at an address in Mill Street in Necton on April 6, 2016.

Five months later, on September 23, last year, officers searched Wright outside the same address in Mill Street in Necton and found him to be in possession of heroin with a street value of £17,400.

Wright was further arrested on March 31 after being stopped by officers in Church Street in Necton. He was found in possession of heroin with an estimated street value of £1,600.

Chief Inspector Paul Wheatley said: 'Keith Wright was someone who was persistently involved in drug dealing in the Swaffham area. This kind of crime has a negative impact on the our communities and I hope local residents are reassured by the fact that Wright is now serving a custodial sentence and can no longer commit such offences.

'Officers will continue to take action on information about drug dealing provided by members of the public and we will seek prosecution where necessary.'

He added that concerns were accelerated following 'community tension' and that Norfolk police acted on on-going fears over connections with Operation Gravity.

The ongoing operation targets the most serious offenders involved in dealing and transporting Class A drugs into and around Norfolk, as well as working with partners to protect those most vulnerable to drug abuse and exploitation.

Norfolk Constabulary has been working closely with partner agencies throughout Operation Gravity in order to identify those who have become victims of drug dealers and being forced to assist them, whilst signposting them to any support they may need.

Anyone needing help and support are encouraged to contact the Norfolk Recovery Partnership (NRP) on 0300 7900 227. The NRP provides confidential advice and treatment for adults with drug and alcohol problems, and is run by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation, The Matthew Project and The Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust.

Local communities have also had a significant role to play in helping keep the county safe. Local communities have been extremely supportive of this campaign. Illegal drug activity and associated crime can have a detrimental effect on communities and officers would like to reassure residents that they will continue to act on information provided.

- If you suspect someone is dealing drugs in your local community please contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.