A drug dealer hid a package of drugs on the shelves of a petrol station shop in a bid to avoid being caught in possession of them, a court has been told.

Craig Steele, who was described as one of Plymouth’s main cannabis dealers, was arrested by police while at Home Park filling station in Outland Road, Plymouth, in February 2012.

A police officer became suspicious because Steele was sweating and anxious on returning from the shop after paying for his fuel and a search of his car revealed three bags of cannabis with a total weight of 157 grams and £19,270 cash.

Later that day staff at the filling station called police to say they had found a bag of cannabis hidden behind some biscuits on a shelf, and the CCTV showed Steele taking it out of his pocket and hiding it. It contained another 6.01 grams of cannabis.

Steele admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis and valium and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

He was jailed for two years and four months.