A crack cocaine and heroin dealer has been jailed for his part in a 'county lines' network supplying drugs from London into Kent.

Brandon Gnamien was brought to justice after police identified three specific phones being used by the ‘Mitch line’ to send regular marketing texts to drug users in Maidstone.

Kent Police’s county lines and gang team established that between September and November 2019 the messages were sent offering crack cocaine and heroin for sale by a criminal network based in south London.

The complex investigation revealed that Gnamien was in control of two of the phones and regularly travelled into Kent by train to supply drugs.

He was arrested in February at an address in London and was later charged with involvement in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

In March the 23-year-old appeared in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court wearing a mask, gloves and a scarf over his head.

He told Judge Philip Statman: "Can I apologise. I mean no disrespect but I heard there is coronavirus in Maidstone!"

"My message is clear, it’s not if you will be arrested, but when."

Gnamien pleaded guilty and on on July 31, appearing at the same court, he was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Speaking following the sentencing, DCI Lopa McDermott said: "Our officers target those who bring Class A drugs into our town and will tenaciously track down those who seek to remain anonymous through using dedicated phone lines.

"These criminals need to understand, once we know who they are, they will receive an early morning visit by our officers and a lengthy stay in prison.

"My message is clear, it’s not if you will be arrested, but when."

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