A DRUG-DEALER was caught attempting to set up a raffle - for his customers to win prizes of cannabis.

Rhys Christopher, 25, was trying to set up the online raffle for punters to buy numbers to win prizes of weed when he was caught.

Richard Ace, prosecuting, told how Christopher would send "blanket texts" to his regular cannabis customers.

He said: "There were texts to in excess of 30 people who he was dealing with.

"There were also 'blanket texts' informing buyers of any special deals."

Derek Gooden, defending, told Cardiff Crown Court that Christopher was "somebody who had been involved in the business for a short amount of time."

Christopher pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs with the intent to supply at Cardiff Crown Court.

Judge Eleri Rees said: "This was a significant business being run, not just a few deals among friends."

"You took the risk that you might not be caught - but you were caught."

Christopher, of Merion Close, Barry, South Wales, was handed an 16 month prison sentence which is suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.