A TEENAGER caught concealing drugs in his nostril has been made the subject of a referral order.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how officers from the South Operation Raptor team were patrolling in London Road, Westcliff in January, 2017, when they witnessed what was believed to be a drug deal taking place.

As they approached the 17-year-old boy, he was seen putting his hand in his pocket and attempting to put items in his mouth. He then tried to flee but was tackled by officers, during which a large knife fell from his coat.

The teenager was put in handcuffs and during a further struggle a wrap of the Class A drug crack cocaine fell from his nose. He was also found to have two further wraps of crack cocaine in his mouth and Cannabis in his coat.

The teenager was charged with and pleaded guilty to possessing a class A and class B drug, possessing a knife and assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty.

He was given a nine-month referral order and the court also ordered the destruction of the knife and drugs.

Following the sentencing a spokesperson for Essex Police’s South Operation Raptor team said: “It is clear this young boy was acting as a runner for a drug dealing gang.

“Young people may think that drug dealing or being part of a gang is a glamorous lifestyle, but it isn’t and this case is another example of the harsh reality of this way of life.

“You will be used and exploited by gangs, you will be subjected to violence, sometimes from your own gang and sometimes from rivals, and you will get arrested and end up before the courts – there will always be a high price to be paid by those involved in this type of lifestyle.”

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday January 17.

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.