TWO men have been jailed for drug offences after being stopped by patrolling police officers in Dunster at the height of the pandemic.

Officers carrying out targeted patrols during the first lockdown in April 2020 as the result of intelligence received from members of the public stopped the two men in a vehicle and found drugs, a lock knife and a knuckleduster.

Further enquiries led officers to find more drugs at the home of one of the men, Jared Tappin.

In all officers seized cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £16,500 and cannabis worth more than £9,500.

The two were sentenced when they appeared before Taunton Crown Court on Thursday April 14.

Patrick Shelley, 26, of Pixton Way, Dulverton, was jailed for a total of 30 months after previously admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, possessing an offensive weapon in public, possessing a knife in public and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

At the same hearing, Jared Tappin, 31, of High Street, Dulverton, was handed a jail term totalling 26 months after admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and acquiring or possessing criminal property.

The officer in the case, Neighbourhood PC Jamie Munro, said: “This targeted police stop during the midst of the first Covid lockdown was thanks to the community providing us with quality intelligence about drug crime.

“The investigation has necessarily been lengthy, but by working with the community we’ve ensured two drug dealers now are behind bars.

“Sadly the impact of drug crime is still felt in rural communities like ours on Exmoor.

"We welcome information to help us target dealers who often take advantage of the most vulnerable in society.”

You can talk to your Avon and Somerset neighbourhood policing team via the force's online form or alternatively call 101.

If you do not wish to talk to the police directly, you can ring Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the independent charity's anonymous online form.

If you or someone you care about is affected by drug use, Somerset County Council’s website has information on the support and advice available.