A drugs runner picked up in Swindon within weeks of being discharged from a psychiatric hospital has been jailed for more than four years.

Remiq Nelson, 26, whose criminal record includes a number of weapons offences, had been snared in an undercover Metropolitan Police operation in March 2019 that saw officers pose as drug addicts in Southwark and Lambeth.

The Londoner twice sold heroin and crack cocaine to the same officer, named in court only as Ali, while working for the Baby or “K” line in the Kensington Park Estate and outside a Brixton Road Tesco on March 21 and 28.

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Remiq Nelson's custody shot Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Swindon Crown Court heard Nelson had been admitted to Lambeth Hospital last autumn after experiencing a breakdown in his mental health. 

He was discharged at the start of the year and was taking medication.

On March 12, Swindon police officers were patrolling on Welcombe Avenue, Park South, when they saw Nelson emerge from a home suspected of being cuckooed. He was accompanied by two women.

He was stopped and searched and a pack of drugs was found in his pocket. When he was told he was going to be arrested, Remiq replied: “I haven’t even sold any of that stuff that you found.”

Inside the house officers found digital scales and a pack of plastic gloves. In total, 208 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were found with an estimated street value of £2,130. Police also uncovered £646.20 in cash.

Interviewed by police, Nelson said he had come to Swindon the night before as directed by London dealers to whom he owed a debt. The basis of plea was not accepted by the Crown.

Nelson, of Chryssell Road, Lambeth, admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine and supplying heroin and crack.

Defending, Melanie Krudy said her client suffered from poor mental health. When he was released from psychiatric hospital in February he was extremely vulnerable and an easy target. He was remorseful and, since being held on remand, had obtained a prison job.

Sentencing the man to four years and two months imprisonment, Judge Peter Crabtree said: “Anyone involved in the supply of class A drugs is involved in criminality which wrecks lives and undermines the fabric of society. That is why – as in this case – the custody threshold is well passed.”

The drugs and £640 cash were forfeit.