A TEACHER has been jailed after more than £45,000 worth of drugs were discovered at his home.

Police raided a house in Ditchling Rise, Brighton, following a tip off and, with the help of a four-legged friend, uncovered the sizeable stash.

The keen nose of a police dog named Basil led officers to a wooden crate stored under the sofa bed of self-employed teacher Kim Wijesuriya.

Inside, the 53-year-old had arranged a series of jars each containing different strains of cannabis.

The Argus:

The jars were labelled with names including “Bruce Banner”, “Gorrilla Glue” and “Gelato 33”.

The force found similar containers in several other cupboards and compartments around the house.

A total of 5kg of cannabis was seized.

Investigating officer Rose Horan said: “Acting on intelligence, our officers executed a drugs warrant at Wijesuriya’s address and discovered a significant quantity of cannabis which was clearly prepared with the intent of distribution.

“This seizure will prevent these drugs from being circulated and causing harm in the community.”

The Argus:

The Bomb Squad was also called during the raid on October 2 after “suspected explosive devices were discovered”.

The drugs, as well as associated paraphernalia, have since been destroyed.

Wijesuriya was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on November 28.

The judge sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment.

The Argus:

At the time of the raid, residents described how they were “kicked out of their houses” as police cordoned off a row of homes.

One passerby, who did not wish to be named, said: “I noticed a huge police presence in the street, there were sniffer dogs and armed officers.

“At about 10am people were kicked out of their houses and the whole area was cordoned off.

“Then the Bomb Squad arrived.

“One officer wearing full bomb disposal gear went into the house on their own.

“Other police officers were stood on the door the whole time.

“Then others followed him into the house and came out with lots of what looked like evidence bags.”

The passerby said police eventually allowed people back into their homes about six hours later – at 4.30pm – but a police van and several officers remained at the scene late into the evening.

The Argus:

Another witness said it was unusual to see an incident like this in the area.

She said: “It’s a very residential, family area so this is not what you would expect at all.

“Most of the houses here are families, young couples or retired people.

“We don’t have much to do with the police.”

But another passerby, who was out for a morning run, said the presence of “loads of police” did not bother him. He said: “They cordoned off the street and evacuated a few of the houses.

“But I wasn’t concerned. This is Brighton, there are always police around.”