A DRUG dealer was caught with more than 80 parcels of cannabis ready to deliver to “customers” following a stop and search of his vehicle by police.

Serraj Sayyed, 21, of Brightwell Avenue, Westcliff, was stopped by officers in Hockley on August 5 at 11.30am.

He was found to be in possession of 83 prepared packs of cannabis and £530 in cash was also found in his car.

He was arrested and a further search of his home address uncovered eight burner phones.

At the time, Sayyed was already on a suspended prison sentence for drug dealing offences.

He appeared in Basildon Crown Court yesterday for a sentencing hearing and was jailed.

Gabrielle McAvock, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was interviewed under caution at the police station and answered no comment to all questions.

“He has previous convictions of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and on July 8, 2022, Mr Sayyed was convicted of possessing class A cocaine with intent to supply.

“The defendant was handed a sentence of two years, suspended for 24 months, meaning he has committed today’s offence in breach of that suspended sentence.”

The court heard Sayyed was responsible for bagging up drugs and then handing the contraband over to dealers who would distribute to customers.

Evelyn Hicks, mitigating, added: “My client was told he was responsible for the loss of drugs and as a result was in a drugs debt he had to pay off.

“He is a young man that pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity in the magistrates’ court and made full admission of his offences.

“During his short period in custody, he has completed 28 courses, including business management and drug awareness.”

Ms Hicks also read excerpts of a letter Sayyed wrote to the judge.

It read: “I take full responsibility for my actions and blame nobody, I take full accountability.”

Recorder Angela Frost sentenced Sayyed to one year and ten months in prison for possession of cannabis with intent to supply and breach of a suspended sentence order.