A DRUG dealer from Wrexham caught with cannabis with a street value of up to £28,152 has been jailed for 14 months.

Nathan Griffiths concealed the Class B drugs in plastic bags in a bucket in a kitchen cupboard.

Police made the discovery when they executed a search warrant at his home at Tanat Way and found a quantity of the drug, which Judge Rhys Rowlands noted would fuel a large street-level operation.

Around Griffiths’ home officers collected cash and two mobile phones, one of which had incriminating evidence upon it.

Judge Rowlands told Griffiths: “You were operating as a street-level dealer on a fairly significant scale. You were playing an important role – it was considerable for a drug dealing operation in Wrexham.”

Prosecuting barrister Paulinus Barnes told Mold Crown Court that messages on the phone showed one potential client texting Griffiths to ask “Would you do it for 20 at 3 o’clock?”, where upon he had replied “Don’t do tick”.

Finger prints found on the bucket matched the defendant's.

The street value of the drugs was estimated between £18,768 and £28,152 and, Mr Barnes said, a drug expert from North Wales Police made it clear that the quantity could not have been for personal use.

When he was interviewed by police Griffiths admitted he was involved in the supply of cannabis.

“It was a significant amount giving a starting point of 12 months (prison),” added the prosecutor.

Defence barrister Dafydd Roberts attempted to persuade the judge that Griffiths - who had no previous convictions for drug offences - should be spared jail.

He had made full admissions and the impact of a custodial sentence would be hard-felt on his family, including two young children, as well as an elderly neighbour who Griffiths supported, he said.

“He is a working man and he has plans for the future including purchasing his local authority home to create some stability for his family,” said Mr Roberts.

“The reason for his offending was a long-standing drug debt.”

Griffiths, 32, admitted possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

There will be a Proceeds of Crime hearing on September 9.