A DRUG dealer was caught concealing wraps of heroin in Hereford city centre.

Luke Josh Shaw pleaded guilty to charges of possessing cannabis, possessing heroin with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Police were alerted to men dealing drugs in Hereford High Town on June 26, prosecutor Melanie Winterflood said.

Officers were sent to the scene, where they saw the two men go into a betting shop.

Shaw and his companion were both identified and spoken to by police, before being arrested and taken into custody in Hereford.

A strip search revealed Shaw was concealing a large package containing 35 wraps of heroin on his body, while pieces of paper with the names of known heroin and cannabis users were found in his trouser pocket.

The 25-year-old was also carrying a mobile phone which, police said, rang repeatedly while he was in custody.

Examination of the phone revealed it was a number police knew to be a drug trafficking number, while a message that showed Shaw was selling drugs had been sent to around 75 people.

In interview, Shaw said cannabis also found in his possession was for his own use and that he had taken crack cocaine a few nights before.

He admitted selling drugs and that he had sent the message found on the phone.

Shaw, of Bath Street, Hereford, will appear at Worcester Crown Court for sentencing on August 20.