A DEALER running a drugs factory from his home also kept a loaded revolver and a variety of other weapons.

Ian Doherty, aged 33, of The Green, Welling was arrested when Bexley police raided his house on January 15, and found the weapons and drugs with a street value of £500,000.

Doherty pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to possessing a firearm and four rounds of ammunition and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

The court heard the raid was the result of information to police about drug dealing at Doherty’s home.

Officers from Falconwood and Welling Safer Neighbourhoods policing team, borough support unit and Bexley CID found five one-kilo blocks of cocaine during the raid.

They also found a crossbow, ball bearing gun, knuckle duster and a lock knife.

The house contained mixing agent, a food mixer containing cocaine, three wooden stamps, one of which had cocaine traces, a forensic suite, gloves, an electric vacuum sealer and an industrial press.

A woman aged 30 who was at the house when it was raided was also arrested, but later released without charge.

Doherty was sentenced to five years in jail for possessing a firearm, 12 months for possessing ammunition and three years for possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

The jail terms will be served consecutively.

After the sentencing, Detective Sergeant James Coldwell from Bexley CID said: “Doherty’s home was part of a sophisticated drugs manufacturing operation.

“He had everything to produce, package and protect a substantial amount of cocaine ready to distribute in south-east London.

“This result will significantly disrupt the sale of cocaine in the area.”