Drug Dealer’s ‘Banging Deals’ Land Him Behind Bars for Nearly Three Years
Jay Christie, 22, from Chatham, was locked up for two years and 10 months after pleading guilty to possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. The sentence was handed down at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 May 2018.
Stop, Search, and Secret Messages
Christie’s troubles began on 18 December 2017 when police stopped his car in Canterbury Street, Gillingham. He was arrested for obstructing officers after refusing to open the car doors. A search uncovered his mobile phone loaded with texts hinting at drug deals.
Despite claiming an eye injury, no significant harm was found. Christie was charged with obstructing a drugs search but released on bail pending further investigation.
Damning Phone Evidence and Crackdown
Police later downloaded the phone and found mass texts boasting: “YaYa back with the best local deliveries best of both!…banging deals!” On 20 February, officers spotted Christie again, this time attempting to ditch another mobile phone during a vehicle stop.
He was arrested once more. A search found 17 wraps of cocaine and 60 wraps of heroin on him, worth over £2,300 on the streets.
Police Slam Christie’s Targeting of Vulnerable Users
“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,” said Detective Constable Terry Hanlon.
He urged the public to report suspected dealers to keep communities safe. Report crimes via kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police online, call 101, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In emergencies, always dial 999.
