A 33-year-old man accused of running the 'CJ' drugs county line has claimed he is a victim of modern day slavery, a court has heard.

Ruben Jacobs was arrested in March this year after police used a chainsaw to gain entry to a flat in Chant Court in St John’s Road, Colchester.

When officers entered the premises they  found Jacobs sitting on a sofa with the drug line phone nearby, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Police also found drug paraphernalia including scales, cash, a glass plate with traces of cocaine, five wraps of cocaine and rocks of heroin and cocaine.

Adam Budworth, prosecuting, claimed the flat was set up for the preparation of drugs for onward supply. 

He said that Jacobs admitted running the CJ drug line but claimed he was a victim of modern day slavery and had been forced to do it.

Jacobs, of Michael Wright Way, Great Bentley, has pleaded not guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin on or before March 11 this year.

The court was told that a man who arrived at Chant Court with Jacobs had admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being in possession of a knife.

The trial continues.