A MAN was caught with more than £1,000 worth of cocaine when police raided his home in Southampton.

Officers found a 10g stash of the class-A drug and more than 5g separated into individual bags during a raid on the home of Mondi Brati.

When quizzed by officers, the 28-year-old admitted dealing, but claimed he was selling to close family and friends.

Brati was jailed at Southampton Crown Court.

The court heard how police raided Brati’s home, in Kathleen Road, Sholing, in December 2017.

They discovered a bulk quantity of cocaine, weighing 10.5g, and 13 individually bagged amounts, totalling 5.84g.

Police investigators said the drugs had a street value of more than £1,000.

Officers also seized £1,000 in cash.

During a police interview, Brati admitted he was dealing, but said it was “socially” to friends and family members.

In mitigation, Mark Florida-James said Brati had a gambling habit and the 28-year-old had produced bank statements showing a £6,000 win around the time of the raid.

Mr Florida-James said Brati would spend some of his winnings on cocaine.

He said Brati was previously a man of good character.

Brati pleaded guilty to one count of possession of class-A with intent to supply, on the day of his trial.

Judge Christopher Parker QC jailed Brati for 26 months – half of which he will serve in prison.

He said: “Any suggestion that cocaine is a recreational drug that doesn’t do any harm is wrong, because it is dangerous.

“The supply chain to get cocaine into this country inevitably entails a great deal of misery and occasionally death.”

As well as a jail term, Judge Parker also ordered the seized £1,000 in cash be used to cover the cost of the Crown Prosecution Service’s case.