A DRUG dealer who assaulted an officer when he was being arrested has admitted possessing heroin and crack with intent to supply. 

The Kidderminster County Line Drugs Team has been praised for its "great investigation" work which led to the charges. 

Pharze Atkinson-Scott was stopped at Sainsbury’s petrol station in Redditch by officers on January 16 where he was found in possession of a high quantity of crack cocaine, heroin, and a smaller amount of cannabis.

More than £200 cash was found on him and three mobile phones linked to County Lines drug dealing.

A further search in custody found he had more class-A drugs concealed in his body. West Mercia Police said he assaulted an officer in a struggle.

Atkinson-Scott, aged 22, of Turnpike Close, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to several charges at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 18.

The charges included possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, assault of an emergency worker, possession of cannabis and obstructing the police by giving false details.

Detective Inspector Colin Berry, of North Worcestershire Proactive CID, said: “Due to the amount of cash recovered, a mobile phone linked to the drug line he works for and a great investigation by the Kidderminster County Line Drugs Team, he was charged with several offences.

“During his arrest and custody procedure he assaulted officers and provided false details to try and disguise his true identity, so he was further charged for those offences.”

Atkinson-Scott was remanded in custody ahead of appearing before magistrates on January 18 where he pleaded guilty.

He was remanded to face sentencing at Worcester Crown Court at a date to be fixed.