A DRUG dealer who spent thousands of pounds on his ill-gotten funds on aftershave and trainers has been jailed.

Mata Mayamba was followed by police teams to the homes of known drug addicts in Basildon after reports of dealing in the town centre.

Officers from the South Operation Raptor team scoured CCTV to identify the 32-year-old on July 3 this year.

After leaving an addict's flat, police stopped and searched him where they found two mobile phones linking him to the supply of Class A drugs.

At the time, Mayamba claimed he was a trainee barber.

The officers then carried out a search of his home in Spains Hall Place where they found crack cocaine, CS spray, digital scales used to weigh drugs, deal bags, twenty boxes of brand new trainers worth nearly £3,000 and 23 bottles of new aftershave worth nearly £1,000.

The trainers and aftershave indicated Mayamba was living beyond the means of a trainee barber.

He was arrested, charged and admitted three counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, one count of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug, acquiring criminal property and possessing a prohibited weapon (CS Spray) at Basildon Crown Court on November 8.

He was jailed for three years and nine months.

Investigating Officer PC Adam Blackwell of the South Operation Raptor team said: “Not only was Mayamba observed carrying out a suspected drug deal, we found clear evidence linking him to the supply of Class A drugs.

“The trainers and aftershave found at his home also suggested that he was living on an income far beyond the modest wage of a trainee barber.

“People might think that drug dealing is a glamorous lifestyle which will allows them to buy expensive designer items but the reality is that 20 pairs of trainers are no good to you inside a prison cell.

“Hopefully Mayamba will spend his time behind bars contemplating earning an honest living when he gets out.

“Our message to people who think they can deal drugs on our streets is clear – don’t Operation Raptor will be right behind you."

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

To report drugs crime, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.