A COUNTY lines drug dealer who was operating out of Bournemouth's Manchester Hotel and had a sock stuffed with cash has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Andre Steve McRonna, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and facilitating, acquiring or possessing criminal property.

The 25-year-old had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of cannabis.

When officers initially arrested McRonna in February 2017 – after he was subject of a stop and search during a drugs raid at a block of flats in Bournemouth's Churchill Road – he was carrying cannabis, two mobile phones and a can of pepper spray.

Investigations led officers to where McRonna had been staying, the Manchester Hotel in Bournemouth's West Hill area.

Subsequent searches of McRonna's room uncovered a white sock stuffed with £2,700 and a set of scales. When forensics examined the cash, traces of heroin and cannabis were found.

Dorset Police say McRonna's mobile phones were examined and notes were located.

They were viewed by a drugs expert who concluded that they were associated with the sale of heroin and crack cocaine.

Police Constable Young, of Bournemouth police, said: “Andre McRonna was involved in the supply of class A drugs in Bournemouth as part of a county lines drug dealing network.

“Drug dealing supply and misuse can blight communities and we are committed to tackling this and bringing dealers such as McRonna to justice.”

Staff at the hotel stated that McRonna had stayed at the hotel between Thursday, January 5, 2017, and Friday, February, 10, 2017.

A police spokesman explained: "County lines is the term used to describe urban gangs supplying drugs to suburban areas, as well as market and coastal towns, by using dedicated mobile phone lines.

"Criminals across the country use children and vulnerable people of all ages to courier drugs and money.

"These drug dealers will often take up residence in a person’s home - known as cuckooing - to sell drugs in the local area.

"Once caught up in county lines, exploited individuals are at risk of extreme physical and/or sexual violence, gang recriminations and trafficking."

If you suspect county lines activity is taking place in your area, please call 101, report it online at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 999.