Man who lost job during pandemic started selling drugs to fund habit

A DRUG dealer began supplying cannabis in order to fund his own habit after losing his job during the Covid pandemic.

Michael King was found in possession of 10 bags of cannabis and over £670 in cash when police stopped him in a car on July 16, 2020. Digital scales and mobile phones were also discovered, before officers went to his home and found more cannabis.

When arrested, the 23-year-old “admitted the offences quickly” and said he had been selling the class B drug to friends in order to fund his own addiction. King appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for possession of a class B drug with intent to supply, and supplying a class B drug.

Matthew Hopkins, prosecuting, said that when King was arrested, he told officers that some of the cannabis that was found was for “personal use to help with anxiety and depression” as well as to sell to friends.

“He said he sold the drug to approximately 20 people and would be contacted via Snapchat. He would then weigh the drugs in his own house for small deals.

“He said he made £140 a week selling it and that that would be enough for food and petrol. He said he would buy it from a supplier for up to £800. An expert examined the drugs and found the minimum street value was £1,750 and that the defendant would be making more than £140 a week.”

Amrit Jandoo, defending, said King had no previous convictions and that he began selling cannabis after the loss of his zero hour contract job, which he lost during the covid pandemic.

Mr Jandoo added: “He is trying to make amends in his life and now works in a factory.”

King was sentenced to eight months prison, suspended for 12 months and was ordered to complete up to 30 rehabilitation activity days.

A three-month electronic curfew was also imposed and King must pay £200 costs.