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County lines dealer from Plumstead jailed after Folkestone arrest

14:39, 24 September 2020

updated: 15:08, 24 September 2020

A county lines dealer who threw a package of drugs into a duck pond while trying to flee police has been jailed.

Newton Umukoro was arrested in a park in Folkestone after being seen meeting known drug users.

Newton Umukoro has been jailed. Photo: Kent Police
Newton Umukoro has been jailed. Photo: Kent Police

Police officers approached the 22-year-old in Randor Park but he ran away.

During the chase, he was seen throwing a package into a nearby pond, which was recovered and found to contain crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of up to £1,100.

Umukuro was also found to be carrying £1,900 in cash, several mobile phones and cannabis.

When officers examined one of the phones, messages showed that the Londoner was working for the 'Rocco' county line.

Umukoro, of Landstead Road, Plumstead in south-east London, admitted supplying class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing criminal property.

The Londoner was caught in Randor Park. Picture: Rhys Griffiths
The Londoner was caught in Randor Park. Picture: Rhys Griffiths

Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, he was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail.

Investigating officer DC Jake Griffiths said: "Umukoro had come to Folkestone solely to exploit the town's vulnerable drug users to profit a criminal group.

"The drugs peddled by county lines groups cause knock-on anti-social behaviour, crime and other problems in the communities they are brought into.

"The message from Kent Police is clear: If you come into the county to sell drugs, you will be caught and are likely to end up in jail like this defendant."

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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