A DRUG dealer handed an undercover policeman his own mobile phone number after arranging for the officer to buy cocaine.

Bolton Crown Court heard how the officer, named Chris, was working as part of Operation Muswell, aimed at cracking down on the town centre drug trade.

On November 21 last year he was in the toilets at the Bamboogy club on Bradshawgate at 10.10pm when he got chatting to George Smalley.

Peter Gilmour, prosecuting, said: "Mr Smalley asked Chris if he was a police officer because he said he and his associate were doing some dodgy dealing."

The officer asked if he was selling cocaine and 21-year-old Smalley replied that his friend Danny, who was in a toilet cubicle at the time, might be able to help.

Smalley and his friend left the club but a short time later returned and Smalley handed the officer a small bag of cocaine in return for £50.

Smalley even gave him the mobile phone number registered to his home address and told the officer to save it under the name 'George' in case he wanted further drugs.

The following week the number was called by police and they were passed onto another man who supplied them further drugs.

Smalley, of Fernside Court, Radcliffe, was arrested on September 30 at the conclusion of Operation Muswell and pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine.

Mark Friend, defending, said Smalley had not facilitated the drug purchase for financial gain and had not come to the attention of police since.

"He was seeking to assist what he regarded as a fellow drug user," said Mr Friend.

Sentencing was adjourned until December 11.