A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to drug and weapon offences.

Santiljano Dalti also known as Simidov Yordanov, 24, of Meadlands, Corston, was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs, two offences of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a firearm and possession of criminal property.

At about 9pm on May 20, plain clothes officers were on patrol in the Westmead area of Chippenham due to recent reports of drug activity in the area when they became aware of a Volkswagen Passat parked in a layby.

The vehicle was driven off along the A4 in the direction of Bath. Officers followed the vehicle and witnessed the driver moving around awkwardly and causing the vehicle to swerve. They stopped the vehicle and found Dalti was the driver.

Due to the vehicle being involved in a suspected drugs deal, a search was carried out and over £2,000 in cash was located.

Dalti was arrested and while in custody was found to have 45 snap bags containing cocaine hidden in his underwear.

A further search was carried out at his home address in Corston and drugs, drug paraphernalia and a taser disguised as a mobile phone were located.

A vehicle at the address was then searched and officers located a knuckle duster and cocaine.

PC Tim Stevens said: “This is a good result and I am satisfied that Dalti will serve a custodial sentence.

“When officers stopped his vehicle back in May he was found with a large amount of cash and drugs, and further searches led us to a number of weapons, which could have caused significant harm to individuals.

“I am pleased we have been able to stop these drugs, which had an estimated street value of approximately £13,000, from reaching vulnerable individuals within our communities.

“I hope this case sends a clear message to the public that illegal drugs will not be tolerated and we will continue to pursue individuals involved in their supply.

“It also highlights the importance of community intelligence and we’d like to thank members of the public who act as our eyes and ears and provide us with information which led to this arrest.”

To report drug activity in your area, call 101.