Police have busted a county lines drug network supplying Class A substances in Maidstone.

Back in April officers in plain clothes arrested a dealer in Lower Stone Street with enough for 35 heroin and 48 crack cocaine deals, four mobile phones and £160.

An investigation into who had supplied the drugs was launched and texts revealed a person using the name 'Jaye' was responsible.

Officers discovered a man suspected to be ‘Jaye’ had used a BMW insured under another false name to meet the dealer a number of times in the area.

Investigators found the car was being driven by someone from Square Hill, Maidstone and police searched the house.

Andrew Hitchman was arrested at the property in connection with the supply of drugs. He also had two mobile phones and the keys and documentation in the false name for the BMW. These were seized along with the car which was parked outside.

One of the phones was used by ‘Jaye’ to contact the dealer and arrange delivery of the drugs.

The dealer was sentenced to three years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, July 9.

At the same court on Friday, July 26, 36-year-old Hitchman pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and was sentenced to six years in prison.

District commander, chief inspector Ray Quiller said: "Hitchman went to great lengths to disguise his identity and avoid being arrested.

"Despite this, our investigators were determined to track him down and a thorough investigation led them to him home address and the seizure of damning evidence.

"My message to those who use often vulnerable individuals to supply drugs on our streets is clear – we will track you down and bring you to justice."

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