Drug Dealer Jailed After Maidstone Drug Bust
A drug dealer has been locked up after police caught him with heroin and crack cocaine hidden on his person in Maidstone.
Undercover Cops Crack Down on Drug Dealer
On the morning of 16 April 2019, plainclothes officers spotted Andrew Bryant-Bell emerging from an alley on St Peter Street, where known drug users were loitering. He then jumped into a car that pulled up outside a shop on Lower Stone Street.
The officers swooped, arresting Bryant-Bell on the spot. Police also seized four mobile phones and £160 in cash. One phone contained incriminating messages about drug dealing, leading to charges of possession with intent to supply.
Hidden Drugs Found After 192 Hours in Custody
Suspecting Bryant-Bell had more drugs concealed, police searched him thoroughly after he was taken to the station. Following his appearance at Medway Magistrates’ Court, he was remanded in custody.
After 192 hours behind bars, the 35-year-old finally handed over a hidden bag containing 35 heroin deals and 48 crack cocaine wraps, worth around £820 on the streets.
Three Years and Four Months Behind Bars
At Maidstone Crown Court on 15 May, Bryant-Bell, of Third Avenue, Dagenham, pleaded guilty. On 9 July, he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
District Commander, Chief Inspector Ray Quiller said: “Bryant-Bell came to Maidstone with a significant amount of Class A drugs and thought he could avoid arrest by hiding the heroin and crack.
“Our plainclothes officers are relentless and will find drugs wherever they are concealed.”
“This sentence should send a clear message to dealers thinking of targeting Maidstone – you will be caught and punished swiftly.”
