A MAN caught red-handed carrying out a drugs deal was jailed this week.

Oliver Hanna, 22, of Hercies Road, Hillingdon, was sentenced to three years at Isleworth Crown Court on four counts of drug-related offences.

He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court.

The court heard how police were patrolling Sunningdale Avenue, Ruislip, when they noticed a suspicious man getting into a parked vehicle.

They witnessed him give some money to Hanna, who was sitting in the driver's seat.

Believing a drug deal was taking place, they searched both men, but no drugs were found.

However, when they searched the vehicle, they noticed the interior door handle on the front passenger side had been tampered with.

They removed the cover and found a bag containing six smaller bags of white and brown powder.

Hanna was arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A search of his home address was carried out and further class A drugs were found.

At the police station, Hanna was again searched for drugs and seven folded lottery tickets were found concealed in his backside, all containing cocaine.

The total value of drugs found in his possession was just over £17,000.

While on bail, he fled the country, spending time in Thailand and Egypt before returning to the UK in February, when he was arrested at Heathrow.

Sgt Liam Moore, of Hillingdon Police, said: "I am pleased with this custodial sentence, which reflects the quantity of drugs Hanna had in his possession that he clearly intended to sell to others.

"We will not tolerate drug dealers and we will continue to disrupt and arrest those who choose to follow in Hanna's footsteps."