A CAR passenger searched by police in Newport had cocaine on him which he intended to sell in the city, a court heard.

Crack cocaine worth more than £1,700 was found on Gary Morris, 27, along with a quantity of heroin, Cardiff crown court was told.

Morris, who comes from the Hackney area, was a passenger in a car stopped in Commercial Street, Newport, on January 24, by Police Constable Wayne Lewis, prosecutor Richard Twomlow said.

Morris pleaded guilty to possessing the drug with intent to supply and also admitted possessing a quantity of heroin. All those pleas were accepted.

Mr Twomlow said Morris had travelled from London to Newport with a plan to supply the crack cocaine or obtain drugs.

When the police searched him the cocaine was found in 28 separate deals in his jeans. There was also a small amount of heroin.

That, said Mr Twomlow, was far too much for personal use. No drugs were found on either of the other defendants.

Morris, he added, denied knowing that the drugs were on him - but Mr Twomlow told the court he was lying.

The defendant told police he had come to Newport with one of the others to buy a van cheaply for their painting and decorating business.

Peter Heywood, representing Morris, said: "He realises he is going to receive a custodial sentence."

The case was adjourned for three weeks while reports are compiled prior to sentencing. Morris was remanded in custody.

Also before the court were 29-year-old Amin McDonald and 35-year-old Kelvin Cameron, both from North London, who were in the car when it was stopped. The pair denied possessing the cocaine with intent to supply.

They, and Morris, all pleaded not guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply. In addition, McDonald and Cameron pleaded not guilty to possessing cocaine and heroin. These not guilty pleas were accepted.