A DRUG dealer from Newtown who hid cocaine in deodorant cans has been jailed.

Marcus Carl Dicostanzo, 29, pleaded guilty to possession to intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession of criminal property at Welshpool Magistrates Court.

Appearing at Mold Crown Court to be sentenced, Dicostanzo was given 29 months in prison by judge Niclas Parry.

Oliver King, prosecuting, said police executed a warrant at Dicostanzo's address in Swallow Drive, Newtown, in June 2019.

While searching the premises they found tin foil wraps containing high purity cocaine hidden inside a Skybox and coffee table. They also found digital scales, £110 in cash and a one inch mobile phone which contained a text message that showed evidence of dealing.

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Mold Crown Court

There was also cash hidden in DVD cases, roll-on deodorant cans also containing foil wraps of cocaine, and a receipt for the deodorants from a Newtown supermarket.

Police reviewed CCTV from the supermarket and identified that the deodorants had been sold to Dicostanzo.

Mr King added that according to police, the amount of cocaine found at the property was not consistent with personal use, and had a street value of £4,125.

When he was arrested Dicostanzo was recalled to prison as he was already subject to a suspended sentence.

Phillip Climo, defending, said that in the year since his arrest, Dicostanzo, who suffers from longstanding mental health issues, has worked hard to turn his life around.

"When this offence took place he had no purpose to his life", Mr Climo said.

Since he was recalled to prison Dicostanzo had gained qualifications, undertaken on a track engineer course to enable him to work on railways, is planning to start up a social enterprise, and become a full-time carer for his grandmother.

Judge Niclas Parry sentenced him to 29 months in prison for possession with intent to supply, but gave no separate penalty for the possession of criminal proceeds charge.

Addressing Dicostanzo, he said: "You took a chance that was clearly worth it financially, but now you have to face the consequences.

"You were in possession of a big amount of cocaine and high purity drugs worth more than £4,000 on the streets and we know what damage drugs can do.

"I've read good references, and clearly there is another side to you."

An order was also made to enable police to recover £1,470 worth of cash.