AN undercover officer in a major drugs operation thought he was buying cocaine but got a lump of soap instead.

But Zahid Tabbassum, 23, met up with the officer again the next day and offered to supply him with hard drugs.

Tabbassum, who became a father last November but has been in custody and has not yet seen his new child, was jailed for 15 months.

Tabbassum, of Every Street, Nelson, admitted two allegations of offering to supply class A drugs.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said under-cover police were working on Operation Nimrod a drugs crackdown in June 2004.

The defendant met an officer, they talked about drugs and he offered to sell him a stone. The officer handed over £10 but found it was a piece of soap.

The two met again the day after and the officer tackled Tabbassum about being sold the soap. Tabbassum said he would give him a tester on the next occasion to make sure he got proper drugs. The defendant offered to allow the officer to get drugs free if he introduced more custom.

Mohammed Nawaz, defending, said his client had convictions for drugs possession but none for supply.

He never intended to supply drugs and the meeting with the officer was a chance one. The undercover officer said he wanted heroin for someone and the defendant saw his opportunity to make a quick £10.

Mr Nawaz said on the second occasion, Tabbassum led the officer "a merry dance around Nelson" then disappeared.

The defendant had been in custody since October 21 and had had time to reflect on his situation.

The barrister said Tabbassum's mother and his partner had suffered most from his behaviour as he had looked after his mother who was unwell. He had not yet seen his child.