Man who had £28k worth of cannabis at home is jailed

Andrew Westwick, from Pilton, pleaded guilty to several drug offences

A man found with £28,500 worth of cannabis has been jailed for more than two years.

Andrew Westwick, 59, from Pilton, in Somerset, had about 6kg (13.2lb) of cannabis, including plants, cannabis flowering head and cannabis resin, when police raided his home on 12 December.

He pleaded guilty to several drug offences, including the supply of a controlled Class B drug, and was sentenced to 27 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.

Det Ch Insp Ben Lavender, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We are committed to taking action to protect people, particularly from the harm drug supply creates, because the misery it can cause people and communities is clear."

Westwick had admitted being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug, two counts of being in possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug, and the production of a Class B drug.

The cannabis had a street value of about £28,500

Det Ch Insp Lavender said: "Westwick was at the property when officers arrived, and four packages were found in his car that were ready to be posted, which contained cannabis flowering head and resin. He was, therefore, arrested for drugs supply offences."

He added the force is committed to tackling drug offences.

"If you're buying illegal drugs, you're not only funding organised crime groups, you are ignoring the exploitation involved in their cultivation, production and supply," he said.

The force urged anyone who is aware of any form of criminal activity in their area to contact them or alternatively, call charity Crimestoppers anonymously.