A drug dealer hurled a package of heroin and crack cocaine into the River Medway.

Abdul Jalloh threw the Class As and a mobile phone into the water in a vain attempt to avoid arrest after being approached by undercover officers on a footpath by Lock Meadow last month.

One of the officers was able to fish the phone and drugs out of the water.

On further examination the mobile showed a number of messages consistent with dealing and the package contained six wraps of heroin and one of crack cocaine.

Jalloh, 29 and from Peckham, admitted possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply and yesterday was jailed for five years and eight months.

Sgt Roy Haffenden said: "The quick thinking of our officers ensured we were able to retrieve the drugs that Jalloh sought to discard. Because of this we have been able to provide the courts with conclusive evidence of his guilt.

"Drug dealers target some of the most vulnerable members of society and Jalloh was a prolific offender, involved in the supply of heroin and cocaine in Maidstone and beyond This is a really good sentence, which means another dangerous criminal has been removed from our streets. We are working relentlessly to target those involved in the supply of drugs in Maidstone and have both visible and plain clothes officers patrolling the streets. Criminals who come to this town with the intention of selling drugs will be arrested and put before the courts."

Last week Shalmuwn Hall, also of London, was charged with possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply after being arrested in County Road, Maidstone.