A DRUG dealer who hid heroin and cocaine in her underwear has been jailed.

Nadia Bakundukize was arrested in Chapel Park Road, St Leonards, after she was spotted conducting two drug deals by plain-clothed police officers in May last year.

The 33-year-old was searched in custody and found to have 22 wraps of crack cocaine and five wraps of heroin hidden in her underwear.

A search of a mobile phone in her possession also found data indicating she was sending out messaging advertising Class A drugs for sale.

Bakundukize was subsequently released under investigation while enquiries continued.

Three months later, police were called to a report of a theft where Bakundukize was present.

As officers spoke to her, something was seen to fall from her hand, which was later confirmed to be a wrap containing 6.9 grams of crack cocaine with an estimated value of £900.

The Argus: Nadia Bakundukize Nadia Bakundukize

She was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug .

She was also charged with two offences in relation to her initial arrest - possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Bakundukize, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to 32 months in prison.

Crime Investigator Julian Stokes said: "Despite being arrested in May 2021 and knowing she was under investigation for drug supply offences, Nadia Bakundukize continued with her illegal activities which have now caught up with her.

"The courts have quite rightly seen the seriousness and damage that dealing Class A drugs in our communities causes and have handed down a significant period of imprisonment despite her guilty plea."

This conviction is the latest secured under Project Adder - an initiative aimed at reducing drug-related crime and protecting people from harm.