A JAMAICAN national in the UK on a student s visa was caught by police officers when he was in possession of crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of £2,500. Bryan Manning was arrested last October in Hitchin where he was living temporarily in Cole

A JAMAICAN national in the UK on a student's visa was caught by police officers when he was in possession of crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of £2,500.

Bryan Manning was arrested last October in Hitchin where he was living temporarily in Coleridge Close.

At the end of a two-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court last week, he was jailed for five years. The judge also recommended that he should be deported back to Jamaica once he has served his sentence.

Manning, 26, had denied possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

After the hearing, Chief Insp Mark Canning, head of the local tasking and coordination unit, said: "The eastern area proactively targets Class A drug dealers and drug dealing networks under the umbrella of Operation Crystal.

"The arrest of Manning is an excellent example of intelligence led police work and credit must go to the officers involved in this case for their diligence.

"It is important to remember that drug dealing also has an affect on other crimes in the area with drug users turning to crime such as burglary, car crime and shoplifting to fund their habit. By targeting drug dealing networks we also aim to reduce this type of acquisitive crime."

Pc Stuart Smith from the tactical team said: "The conviction and sentence of Bryan Manning sends out a clear message to anyone thinking of supplying drugs in the eastern area that you will be targeted and brought before the courts."

Police need the public's help in keeping crack and other Class A drugs out of Hertfordshire. Anyone who has any information about where drug dealing is taking place or who is involved in Class A drug supply or use is urged to contact Hertfordshire Constabulary's Crack Crime Drug Line on 01707 354695. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence and callers do not have to give their name. Alternatively ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

People can also pass on information securely online. Visit www.herts.police.uk and click on the Operation Crystal logo. Information can be passed anonymously and reports given this way are untraceable.