A drug dealer who used a vulnerable man’s flat in which to operate from has been jailed.

Luftur Rahman, 28, of Savoy Road, Dartford, was found to have taken over the flat after the victim’s mother went inside - a practice known as "cuckooing".

Rahman was jailed for four and a half years on Thursday after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

The judge at Woolwich Crown Court heard how on June 29, the victim’s mother had gone into the flat in Mill Road, Dartford, where she found Rahman.

Having reported the incident officers from Kent Police’s Operation Raptor team investigated and inside the property officers found a number of mobile phones as well as cocaine and cannabis.

A large safe was also found and this contained further drugs as well as plastic ‘deal’ bags and a large quantity of cash.

During the investigation the victim moved away from the address and on July 2 Rahman and another man went to the victim’s workplace to look for him.

They then attended his address and were witnessed banging on the front door and shouting.

In both incidents the men were seen driving the same car and on July 3 officers stopped the car on Chatsworth Road, Dartford.

Inside the vehicle was Rahman. He was arrested on suspicion of drug offences and later charged.

A man in his 40s and from Dartford was also arrested and is currently under investigation.

Detective Constable Terence Hanlon investigating officer said: "Rahman deliberately targeted a vulnerable young man in order to occupy his flat to use it as a base for selling drugs.

"Not only did he store drugs in the flat but he got keys cut to allow himself to come and go as he liked and put the victim is a difficult position.

"I would encourage people to look out for others in your community to ensure vulnerable people are not taken advantage of and if you see anything you feel is suspicious then to report it right away."