A drug dealer who was found in a pub with cocaine hidden in his underwear has been jailed for more than three years.

Joseph Ball, of Pier Road, Gravesend, had been sat in the pub in London Road, Northfleet, eating a meal on November 19 last year when officers targeting drugs suppliers came in with a sniffer dog.

The 36-year-old was seen acting suspiciously after he had panicked when he saw the dog.

He was searched and three bags of cocaine and almost £2,000 in cash were found.

Ball was arrested and later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

Another £12,000 that police found in his home was seized, along with drugs also found on the premises.

On Wednesday this week he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and four months' imprisonment after pleading guilty.

DC Martin Stevens of North Kent CID said: "We run these proactive operations on a regular basis as they act as an effective deterrent to dealers operating within bars, pubs and clubs.

"Our highly-trained dogs will indicate to officers those potentially involved in drugs supply and their presence is also a reminder to criminals that police officers can be anywhere at any time.

"The majority of people are out enjoying themselves and welcome this type of enforcement and having a visible presence also means we are able to identify persistent offenders such as Ball, as well as deter other criminality."