A DRUG dealer has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment following an undercover police operation.

Police found a Bruni 8mm semi-automatic pistol, 19.2 kilos of cannabis resin and £31,143 in cash when they swooped on Gary Alan Cheeseman's house in Drakefell Road, New Cross.

They also found seven rounds of live 8mm ammunition, a bullet-proof vest and a canister of CS gas.

Cheeseman was on holiday on the Greek island of Kos when police searched his home and a derelict flat directly above it on September 26 last year.

Detectives subsequently arrested Cheeseman at Heathrow Airport three days later.

Cheeseman appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on January 27 where he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm; possession of ammunition; possession of CS gas; possession with intent to supply (cannabis) and money laundering.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Simon Cunneen said: "Lewisham Police will not tolerate drug dealers and gunmen in our community.

"You will be caught, you will go to prison and the drugs will be seized."