STATION GAFFE A dodgy drug dealer’s own clumsiness at Stratford station landed him in the slammer after he spilt his stash of cocaine right under the noses of undercover cops.

A drug dealer who spilt his cocaine stash on the floor in front of police officers in plain clothes has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Teon Francis, aged 46, of Glenloch Road, Enfield, was jailed for five years and eight months at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 12 February.

He pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Supply Class A Drugs (cocaine) and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which banned him from having more than one mobile phone.

The court heard how, on 28 May last year, plain clothes officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce spotted Francis at Stratford station as he deliberately avoided uniformed police and attempted to seek out an alternate exit from the station.

He was stopped by the officers and informed that due to his behaviour and his reluctance to answer questions regarding his travel plans he would be detained and searched.

Francis protested his innocence, denying he had any drugs on him and lashed out and struggled with officers who were forced to restrain him.

However, during the melee his stash of cocaine spilt out onto the floor of the station.

He was immediately arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and the spilt packages later turned out to be wraps of cocaine.

A further search found he was carrying two mobile phones, one of them a burner phone, which put him in breach of his CBO.

A search of Francis’ home uncovered a small amount of cannabis, a further two burner-style phones, and small wraps of white crystal and powder.

Investigating officer PC James Ng said: “Our eagle-eyed officers can tell straight away when criminals are avoiding them and are ready to engage with anyone behaving suspiciously.

“Despite his initial claims of innocence Francis was left with no choice but to admit his guilt after the class A drugs he was carrying spilt out in full view of arresting officers.

“Despite this blunder, Francis remained defiant and maintained his innocence even while surrounded by the drugs that had spilt from his coat.

“Anyone seeking to ply this evil trade using the rail network should know we have eyes everywhere and it’s just a matter of time before we catch up with you.

“If you spot anything suspicious on the railway, text us on 61016.”