A drug dealer was discovered selling cocaine and cannabis after text bombs advertising drugs were found by police on a customer's phone.
Nathan Beaumont, 24, was an entrenched drug user who became involved in dealing in order to fund his own habit, and had a wide network of customers built up over a number of months.
He was discovered after police seized the phone of a drug user in December last year and discovered a number of texts from his number relating to the supply of cocaine and cannabis, between April 7 and November 30, 2020.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday heard police raided Beaumont's house in Caerphilly on June 29, where a search recovered 20g of cannabis worth £280, scales and two mobile phones.
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Among the messages were "text bombs" sent to a number of customers at the same time. Prosecutor Thomas Stanway said the defendant's number was being passed to new customers and one text said "Hey, Levi gave me your number, are you dropping at all".
Other examples of texts included Beaumont offering "three for £100" and telling a customer he was waiting for a "runner" to arrive.
Mr Stanway added: "The defendant supplied to a large customer base, with his number being passed on and he had an awareness and understanding of the operation."
Beaumont, of Goodrich Avenue, later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.
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In mitigation, Emma Harris said the defendant's drug use had escalated after losing his job and home, and the death of his grandmother, as well as a close family member falling ill.
Having begun to use drugs more frequently, Mr Harris said her client began dealing to fund his own habit. Following his arrest and remand in custody, Beaumont has carried out courses on drugs and alcohol addiction and is now drug free.
Sentencing, Paul Lewis QC said: "Those who involve themselves in the supply of class A drugs, whatever be their motivation, must understand they will go to prison, and will go to prison for a significant term."
Beaumont was sentenced to a total of 32 months imprisonment.
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