A “county lines” drug dealer was caught with heroin and cocaine in a car after travelling to Kent from London, a court heard.

Remel Brown also had a lock knife in the car, a “dealing” phone and £679 in cash when arrested.

The 23-year-old, of Goldsmith Road, Leyton, East London, denied possessing the drugs with intent to supply, claiming they belonged to another man, and possessing the knife, but was convicted.

Declaring that such offences called for “exemplary sentences”, a judge jailed him for five years and three months.

County lines drug dealing sees gangs from big cities and urban areas target vulnerable people to sell their gear in other parts of the country.

“The criminal trade in drugs, in which you played a significant role, brings degradation and despair to users,” said Judge Philip Statman.

“It fuels criminality. It is referred to as crossing county lines. Sadly, such dealing is all too well known to those who sit at Maidstone Crown Court.”

Police officers pounced on him in Blake Avenue, Gillingham, on February 8.

Seven wraps containing cocaine and heroin were seized.

Brown claimed he had gone there with a friend to buy cannabis.

“The criminal trade in drugs, in which you played a significant role, brings degradation and despair to users...” - Remel Brown, Judge Philip Statman

He said he did not know the drugs and the knife were in the car.

The court heard Brown was excluded from school at the age of 14.

He spent some time in prison and was released from his last sentence in 2016.

Passing sentence, Judge Statman said: “You journeyed from London to Kent to supply Class A drugs for financial gain.

“You had a full drugs kit with you, including a mobile phone which clearly indicates the nature of your trade. You were responsible for offering a personal dealing service

“I accept you have not had an easy upbringing. I accept there are pressures placed on people such as you when you leave custody if you have incurred drug debts.

“You are well familiar with the way the criminal process operates. Drugs and violence often go together. I accept also there are others involved in this chain of supply, but you are a vital cog.”

Judge Statman added: “There is not one hint of remorse in the manner in which you have approached this particular case.”