An Ipswich drug dealer who ran off when police stopped a car he was driving and was found by a police dog has been locked up for more than three years.

Brandon Smith was in a Ford Focus with three other people when it was seen by police in Ipswich and pulled over after a short chase on November 11, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Harry Warner, prosecuting, said a police dog found a number of items in a nearby bush including wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, a telephone and a glove.

Smith was tracked down by the police dog and was found in possession of cash and a glove which matched the one found in the bush.

He was subsequently linked to 49 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin found in the bush by fingerprint evidence.

Smith, 20, of All Saints Road, Ipswich, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin, possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply and possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to three years and nine months detention in a young offenders’ institution.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be identified due to his age, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin, possession of heroin and cannabis and possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply.

The youth was given a youth rehabilitation order, three years supervision and a curfew.

Mr Warner said that in August last year police stopped a BMW in Ipswich and found the two defendants in the vehicle.

The 17-year-old produced £400 cash and a quantity of crack cocaine was found nearby.

During a strip search a package containing wraps of heroin and crack cocaine dropped from his trousers.

Smith was searched and had £280 cash and two mobile phones which had evidence of drug dealing on them.

Ian Persaud, representing the two defendants, said the 17-year-old youth had been exploited by people who were older and wiser than him.

He said that Smith had been exposed to drug users and drug dealing but had stayed out of trouble while he was at college and doing an apprenticeship.