A DRUG addict who helped supply class A drugs to an undercover police officer in Ipswich is today starting a two-year prison sentence.

A DRUG addict who helped supply class A drugs to an undercover police officer in Ipswich is today starting a two-year prison sentence.

Craig Hynard, of Ipswich Community Resource Centre, was arrested as part of Operation Towpath carried out from February to May this year, targeting drug dealers in the town centre.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and crack cocaine to officers involved in the operation on four separate dates spanning February 12 to February 23.

Patricia Doggett prosecuting said on February 12 at about midday, an undercover officer in the town centre asked around about buying some drugs indicating his interest to the defendant.

Hynard appeared cautious repeatedly asking if the undercover officer was a police officer.

During the meeting Hynard, a drug addict, made a phone call to somebody and arranged for a “runner,” a youth who appeared to be about 18, to meet them with the drugs.

The undercover officer purchased a wrap of heroin, valued at �20 and when tested found to contain 82 milligrams of 34% purity heroin.

The other offences on February 17 and 23 were similar, with the defendant making the phone calls to organise the deals. On February 17 Hynard was also involved in the supply of 162 milligrams of 24 per cent purity crack cocaine as well as heroin.

Ms Doggett said the defendant had taken samples of each drug supplied as payment for his involvement.

Andrew Shaw, defending, said his client had been a drug addict for the last 12 years and said his extensive criminal record, totalling 61 convictions for 105 offences since 1993, was a result of feeding his addiction.

Mr Shaw said Hynard had believed he was enabling a fellow drug user to get a fix.

Judge Peter Fenn called Hynard “the facilitator” a middle man, putting the undercover officer in touch with the dealer in return for receiving a sample amount of the drug.

He said: “Only by passing custodial sentences can courts hope to deter others getting involved in the supply of drugs.”

Hynard was sentenced to two years in prison of which it is likely he will serve half.