Maidstone Drug Dealer Busted on CCTV Gets Four Years
A Maidstone drug dealer caught red-handed on CCTV topping up a phone used to run a county line has been slammed with a four-year jail sentence.
Burner Phone Used to Peddle Heroin and Crack
Between May and July 2020, 21-year-old Jordan Gayle operated a burner phone to market heroin and crack cocaine in Maidstone. Police investigations by the County Line and Gang Team quickly zeroed in on the operation.
Caught on Camera Buying Top-Up Vouchers
On July 8, officers visited a convenience store on Milton Street, where CCTV showed the same customer repeatedly buying pay-as-you-go top-up vouchers linked to a line used for drug deals. Gayle was snapped on camera and arrested the next day at a flat on Charlton Street.
Drugs, Cash, and Phones Seized
- Almost 90 wraps of heroin and crack found on Gayle
- £220 cash on him, plus £2,000 hidden in the property
- Two phones seized—one contained a sim card linked to the top-ups
Forensic tests uncovered marketing texts advertising the drugs. Gayle denied the charges, claiming the cash was from benefits and accused police of planting evidence.
Guilty Plea and Strong Words from Police
Gayle pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on 8 September.
“Gayle controlled a county line with gang links and a history of violence. He even injured officers during his arrest,” said Detective Sergeant John Moore.
“Gang violence brings misery to our communities, but we are determined to smash their grip. Together with local residents, we’re making it harder for these criminals to take root.”
