A CHEF who imported class A drugs and supplied his friends with drugs has been jailed.

Luis Antunes Valente Du Arte Cardoso, 36, of Wootton Gardens, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to four offences of importing drugs, MDMA, amphetamine on two occasions and cocaine.

He also admitted possessing hallucinogens psilocin and DMT, as well as MDMA and cannabis, all with intent to supply.

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The defendant also pleaded to possession of LSD and Ketamine. He was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday, August 3.

Prosecuting, Tom Wright told the court in January 2020, police intercepted a package destined for Cardoso’s address which contained 20.04g of MDMA and 29.18g of amphetamine.

In May the same year, packages were intercepted containing 13.22g of amphetamine and 4.93g of cocaine.

Police attended Cardoso’s address the following month, where they discovered 4.71g of psilocin, a hallucinogenic.

Officers also found seven grams of DMT in both liquid in granular form and 91g of MDMA. 88g of cannabis was also discovered.

Finally, there were four tabs of LSD and 40 to 80g of ketamine for personal use. £1,000 in cash was also found.

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A drug expert estimated the maximum value of all the drugs was more than £12,000, Mr Wright told the court.

In interview with police, Cardoso admitted selling drugs to his friends, a circle of about 10, and the £1,000 cash was proceeds from those sales.

The 36-year-old had no previous convictions, the court heard.

Mitigating, Richard Wayman said Cardoso carried out a “lesser role” and was not for financial or other gain.

“This is a case where it is his own operation and a limited supply to his friends,” he said.

Mr Wayman said the defendant hadn’t reoffended since and had secured work as a chef and was supported by his manager.

He called for a suspended sentence, also noting the delay in bringing the case to court.

However, Judge William Mousley QC sentenced the Portuguese international to two years eight months imprisonment.

He said: “I have reached the conclusion the lowest sentence in the case that can be passed exceeds the maximum whereby consideration can be given to the suspending of any sentence, therefore the sentence must be served immediately.”