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Medway county line drug dealer jailed after police raid property in Barking

16:10, 11 February 2021

updated: 16:14, 11 February 2021

A leading figure in a county line drug gang supplying cocaine and heroin has been jailed.

Ashley Clayton was arrested after police raided his home address in east London as part of an investigation into drug deals taking place in Medway.

Heroin and cocaine dealer Ashley Clayton, 23, of Galleons Drive, Barking has been jailed after he was uncovered as part of a county line drug gang supplying the Medway Towns. Picture: Kent Police
Heroin and cocaine dealer Ashley Clayton, 23, of Galleons Drive, Barking has been jailed after he was uncovered as part of a county line drug gang supplying the Medway Towns. Picture: Kent Police

The Pablo line was discovered and raids took place at Clayton's home in Galleons Drive, Barking and a second address in Loxford Road after he was arrested on October 7.

At his home, police found a mobile phone containing several text messages alluding to drug deals.

Evidence also showed the device had been used to co-ordinate and control the supply of crack cocaine and heroin from London into Medway.

Clayton was charged the following day with two charges – possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to both offences and was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.

Maidstone Crown Court. Stock picture
Maidstone Crown Court. Stock picture

He will serve two years and eight months behind bars.

Investigating officer PC Ben Shove, from Kent Police, said: "Clayton was a key connection in this drug network, helping to control it and ensuring the drugs were distributed accordingly.

"I’m glad he has been removed from the streets and I hope his sentence acts as a deterrent to others.

"Drugs not only affect the lives of the drug user but impacts on families and communities.

"We work hard as a team, and as a force, to disrupt and tackle the supply of drugs coming into Kent and Medway and will continue to do so."

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Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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