A drug dealer known as 'whisper' carried out an 'operational and managerial role', a court heard.

Ameer Hamza had a problem with substances and took to selling them to fund his habit.

But Bolton Crown Court heard he moved up the scale and even encouraged another to deal on his behalf.

Adam Watkins, prosecuting, said: “On July 13 this year police executed a misuse of drugs warrant at the home address of the defendant on Sharman Street in Bolton.

“They found two cheap Nokias and a black iPhone.

“They found seven snap bags each had 0.2 grams of cocaine in it.

“They also found a large black plastic bag containing 11 and half grams of cocaine of 77 per cent purity.

“They also found an empty snap bags, scales which contained traces of cocaine and £210 in cash.

“The total value of the cocaine seized was £1,500.”

Analysis of the phones showed Hamza had dealt drugs under the name 'whisper' and got a person who went by “AJ” to go and sell drugs on his behalf.

Hamza, from Bury Road, Breightmet, Bolton, appeared in court to be sentenced after admitting  possession with intent to supply cocaine and being involved in the supply of the same drug between December 2022 and July last year.

Alistair Reid, defending, said: “The background is he had a drug misuse problem.

“This ultimately led to him becoming involved in the supply of drugs.

“He moved into an operational and managerial role.

“There is a much better side to his character.

“He is married and wants to have children.”

He said he had provided negative drugs tests in prison and wanted to attend college on his release.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton Judge Martin Walsh said:

“It is clear from the phones you had been involved in the supply over a period of about six months.

“On one occasion you encouraged another to supply on your behalf.

“This took place over a significant period of time.

He jailed Hamza, 26, for 42 months.