A cricketer faces a lengthy spell behind bars after he was caught with £70,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine.

Police described Sagawat Hussain as a ‘prolific dealer’ following the raid at his Accrington home last May.

The 24-year-old, who had played for a number of local cricket teams, this week pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine at Burnley Crown Court. The court heard that 700 grams of heroin and just under 100 grams of crack cocaine were seized from his house and a shed at the back of his house.

He was warned by Recorder Andrew Loveridge that he faced a lengthy prison sentence.

He said: “As I’m sure you have been advised there will be a substantial sentence of imprisonment.”

Hussain, of Mansion Street South, Accrington, had claimed that he had been pressured into the crimes because he owed money to drug dealers.

But prosecutor Stephen Parker said: “The crown’s view is that there is sufficient evidence that he played a significant role.”

Daniel Prouse, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report to be prepared but said Hussain knew he would go to immediate custody.

He said: “The basis of plea is that he was receiving financial benefit by virtue of what he was doing. While he may have been pressured into it, it was because he owed money to drug dealers.”

 Hussain played as a member of the Enfield Cricket Club 1st team for two years. He has not played for the club this season.

Enfield vice chairman Robin Bracewell said that Hussain has been banned from the club.

He said: “The necessary steps were taken when he was arrested as we have a zero tolerance policy in relation to drugs.

“We won’t entertain anybody in relation to drugs under the English Cricket Board code of conduct. Any player who deals with drugs will be banned.” Recorder Loveridge adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Hussain was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 10.

Detective Inspector Mark Winstanley said police will continue to remove drug dealers from local communities.

He said: “Sagawat is a prolific drug dealer who supplied significant amount of heroin and cocaine on the streets of Accrington and beyond.

“We are grateful to the public for coming forward with information which has led to this conviction.”