A DRUG addict involved in a Yardie-run conspiracy to peddle heroin and cocaine on the streets of Newport was yesterday jailed for two years.

Darren Roberts, 32, of Van Dyke Close, New-port, was imprisoned after pleading guilty at Newport Crown court to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones, QC, told him: "There is a major problem with drugs in this city - in particular in relation to class A drugs - which has to be addressed and it can only be addressed by courts imposing custodial sentence on people who are supplying class A drugs."

Roberts was arrested as part of Operation Corolla - a major police operation involving Gwent, Dyfed Powys, South Wales and Gloucestershire constabulary, with the principal aim of breaking up a Yardie drugs ring.

As part of the investigation, a flat which Roberts stayed at on Clytha Square, was placed under surveillance in November 2002.

Neil Bidder QC, prosecuting, said Roberts was seen at 4.17pm and 4.55pm, on November 4, making exc-hanges with known drug users. Two days later he was caught on camera making more exchanges with known drug users and retrieving a suspicious looking package from inside a wall by the flat.

Mr Bidder said Roberts admitting having a heroin habit that would cost him between £20 and £40 a day in a police interview following his arrest. "He continued to deny dealing during the interview but at one point admitted that he would go down to Cardiff Road to fetch customers and take them to Clytha Square," added Mr Bidder.

Robert's eventually pleaded guilty before his trial, which was listed for November 20, last year.

Christopher Quinlan, defending, said Roberts had no previous convictions for supplying drugs and should be given credit for pleading guilty.

He added: "Darren Roberts recognises he will have a custodial sentence. "Ironically perhaps it will provide him with an opportunity - it will move him from the circumstances he has lived in and remove him from the temptations of drugs."

For a further charge of affray, Roberts was sentenced to six months in prison which will run concurrent to his two sentence for supplying drugs. Roberts will serve half of his prison term and remain on license for the remainder of the sentence.