A 37 year-old heroin addict who tried to hide drugs from police has been jailed for a total of 32 months at a Court of General Gaol.

Gary Brian Teare, of Central Promenade in Douglas, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply, possessing cannabis resin and obstructing a police officer in a drug search.

The court heard Teare tried to put something in his mouth when he was detained for a drug search, but was prevented from doing so by police.

He was searched at police headquarters where two bundles of wraps containing heroin were found hidden under his clothes, along with ?100 in cash.

A search of Teare's home uncovered more wraps, cash and cannabis resin.

The defendant told police that the heroin was his but he had supplied some to a close circle of friends.

Teare's advocate said he had been a heroin addict for 13 years and made no profit from supplying to friends. He also asked that credit should be given for his immediate guilty pleas.

Deemster Doyle imposed a 30 month sentence for the drugs offences and two months for obstructing the police.

He made it clear that people who obstructed police officers conducting drugs searches would be given consecutive sentences.

Teare was arrested in Castle Mona Avenue, on June 4 last year.