An organised heroin and crack cocaine drug dealer caught inside a taxi in Gravesend has been jailed for nearly six years.

Maurice Lennon was stopped inside a taxi in north Kent in August 2019, and was found in possession of a large lock knife, cash and a mobile phone used to arrange the supply of Class A drugs.

The 24-year-old from Tivoli Road, West Norwood, admitted a number of offences and was setenced to five years and 11 months in jail at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, March 2.

Detective Sergeant Andy Leventis, from Kent Police’s County Line and Gang Team, said: "This case is another example of our officers using their local knowledge to target offenders who cause significant harm to our communities.

"Their vigilance, and quick decision making, led to an organised drug dealer being detained and helped prevent heroin and crack cocaine making its way onto our streets.

"We have no tolerance for anyone who seeks to supply drugs in our communities and, as Lennon has found out, each day we are patrolling the neighbourhoods, and gathering new evidence, to help ensure offenders face the most robust action possible."

During a routine patrol on 13 August 2019, Kent Police said an officer observed Lennon leaving an address in St Patrick’s Gardens and getting into a taxi.

The vehicle was followed and, when other patrols arrived to assist, the taxi was stopped in Gravesend Road, Higham.

Lennon was the only passenger and, when he was searched, a mobile phone and £435 in cash was recovered.

His phone, which was continually ringing, contained more than 70 text messages related to the sale of class A drugs.

A lock knife was also seized, despite the Lennon’s attempts to hide it beside the passenger seat.

Lennon was immediately charged and remanded in custody ahead of future court proceedings.

While on remand at HMP Elmley, a mobile phone was found hidden inside his cell. He admitted possessing the device without authority to do so and was sentenced for this along with the other charges.