A drug dealer who was spotted acting suspiciously by a police officer on patrol in Peterborough has been jailed.

Cambridgeshire Police said Torgalai Estoman, 30, barged past a member of the public that the neighbourhood officer was speaking to in Lincoln Road, Millfield, at about 11am on 20 November.

“When the officer attempted to speak to Estoman he was evasive and hurriedly walked away, before running off when he realised he was being followed,” a force spokesperson explained.

“The officer pursued Estoman and he was arrested. When he was searched officers found £143.50 in cash and slips of paper with a phone number on them.

“Another officer arrived at the scene and searched the area where Estoman had run. He discovered a package containing more than 200 wraps of class A drugs in some undergrowth.

“When officers checked CCTV in the area they found footage showing Estoman discarding the package as he ran away.”

Police said analysis of the contents confirmed the substances were heroin and crack cocaine worth up to £2,280.

Estoman, of Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and on Thursday (8 January) was jailed for three years at Cambridge Crown Court.

DC Nik Loizou said: “This was an excellent stop by a neighbourhood officer out on patrol.

“His instincts about Estoman’s behaviour proved correct and a drug dealer is off the streets as a result.

“Class A drugs cause havoc by trapping people in addiction. Their use and dealing can also be associated with other crimes such as violence, anti-social behaviour and theft. Tackling the problem remains a priority for the local neighbourhood team.”