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A drug dealer who claimed to have ‘banging deals’ has been sentenced to two years and 10 months in jail. Jay Christie, 22, of Christie Close, Chatham, was sentenced on Friday 4 May 2018 at Maidstone Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. The court heard how on Monday 18 December 2017 officers stopped Christie in a vehicle in Canterbury Street, Gillingham. He was arrested for obstruction after refusing to open the car doors. He was searched and a mobile phone was found which contained messages alluding to drug dealing. Christie was further arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Following the arrest Christie claimed to have hurt his eye however no significant injury was found. Police charged him with obstructing a drugs search and he was released and bailed to court. Following further enquiries his phone was downloaded and was found to contain bulk text messages which read ‘YaYa back with the best local deliveries best of both!…banging deals!’ On Tuesday 20 February officers were on patrol in Goudhurst Road, Gillingham, and due to the new evidence they attempted to stop Christie in a vehicle. He was then seen trying to discard a mobile phone. Officers arrested him and following a custody search he was found to have 17 wraps of cocaine and 60 wraps of heroin with a street value of more than £2,300 secreted on him. Investigating officer Detective Constable Terry Hanlon said: ‘Christie was targeting vulnerable people in order to make money and I’m pleased we’ve been able to give him the best deal so far which is some time behind bars. ‘If people suspect others of drug dealing or believes they are committing any criminal offences then I would encourage them to get in touch with us so we can ensure they are investigated.’ Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so by visiting Kent Police online reporting. Alternatively call Kent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111. Always call 999 in an emergency.