A POLICE officer has said it's "only a matter of time" before drug dealers are caught after one was locked up for three years.

PC Warren Lamb has blasted the actions of drug dealer Jamie Marshak, who was jailed for two years and 11 months.

The 35-year-old of Timberlog Lane, Basildon, was arrested following a routine vehicle stop on Somnes Avenue, Canvey on October 17, 2017.

Inside officers found a pot which contained a number of bags of herbal cannabis as well as four mobile phones, and wraps and bags of white powder, plus a list of names and cash amounts owing and paid.

He was jailed on July 30 after admitting possesion with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.

PC Warren Lamb said: “Jamie Marshak was found not only with drugs in his car, but what also appeared to be a list of people who was buying from or selling too.

“This conviction shows how effective tactics such as routine stop checks can be in keeping you safe and catching criminals.

“I hope Marshak’s sentencing sends a clear message out to anyone else involved in selling drugs.

"We won’t stop our endeavours and it’s only a matter of time until you’re removed from our streets and put before a court."