A DRUG dealer was found hiding in a bush by police after they saw her with known drug users while she was being investigated for supplying illicit substances.

Natalie Bernadette Carr, 38, was jailed for three years and eight months after admitting drug dealing offences in Bournemouth.

She was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday, March 30, after pleading guilty to three charges of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and possession of a bladed article, which all dates back three years.

On the afternoon of July 18, 2018, police officers executed a warrant at an address in Prince of Wales Road.

Carr answered the door and a search of the premises revealed a various drug paraphernalia including scales and needles.

The defendant was found in possession of a set of keys, which opened a locked safe in the address. Inside the safe was a quantity of heroin and cocaine as well as more than £1,500 in cash.

The total value of heroin and cocaine was valued at around £7,810 by a drugs expert.

Carr was subsequently released under investigation as officers continued with their enquiries.

On the afternoon of October 25, 2018, officers were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle in the Lansdowne area when they saw the defendant with three known drug users.

When they saw officers, Carr walked off down Grove Road and following a search was found hiding in a bush nearby. The defendant was searched and found to be in possession of a number of wraps of white and brown powder. A pocket knife was also found in her bag.

A subsequent search of the accommodation she was staying in resulted in further class A drugs being seized.

Police Constable Stuart Grant, of the Bournemouth South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We recognise the detrimental impact the supply of class A drugs has on our communities. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure offenders such as Natalie Carr who are involved in the supply chain are identified and brought before the courts to face justice.

“I would urge anyone with information about suspected drug related activity to contact us at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”