A DRUG dealer moved into an addict’s flat as a base to sell heroin.

Mohammed Maow had used the flat in Worthing to sell heroin and crack cocaine, in a process dubbed “cuckooing” by police.

An occupant of the flat was living in “genuine fear” of him when the officers launched a drugs bust in August.

The 24-year-old had 30 wraps and 22.6 grams of heroin, and 31 wraps and 11.5 grams of crack cocaine, worth a total of £4,500, in a duffel bag.

Police also found £2,000 in cash in the bag.

At Hove Crown Court he was jailed for three years and two months by Judge Christine Henson QC.

Charlotte Morrish, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was in the front room along with a female.

“Police suspected that the two people in the bedroom were victims of cuckooing.

“Officers noted what appeared to be genuine fear on their part.”

Christina Josephides, defending, said Maow has “alcohol issues” and had “found himself homeless without any money” that led to him supplying class A drugs.

She said Maow “strongly denies” being involved in cuckooing of the property.

But the judge was unimpressed. She said: “He was sent to a flat which he had no connection to where other people lived who were drug users. Whatever you call it, that is what he agreed to.”

Maow admitted two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The judge added: “You did not know the occupants and you were selling drugs from that flat.

“You had some understanding of the operation and what was going on, and you were prepared to take your part in it.”