A dealer who operated a county lines drug network in Gravesend has been sentenced to four years in jail.

Nahom Gebeermskel, formerly of Milton Road, Gravesend, tried to flee after being stopped by officers as he got off a train from London in August this year, but a large package containing class A drugs fell from his waistband as he ran.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty to drugs charges and was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday November 11.

The court heard how officers investigating a county lines drug network thought to be operating in the Gravesend area were positioned at the at Gravesend railway station on Monday August 5.

They spotted Gebeermskel, a suspected drug dealer, getting off a train from London, and approached him - but he attempted to run off and a violent struggle resulted in one officer being assaulted.

A package containing crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of up to £16,800 then fell out of Gebeermskel’s clothing; and he was arrested.

The following day he was charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Leventis, of North Kent CID said: "Criminals believe they can freely operate in some areas but we have our eyes and ears everywhere. Our use of both uniformed and plain clothes officers is making it increasingly difficult for criminals to sell drugs in this county and there will be no let-up in our determination to keep these people off our streets - as Gebeermskel discovered."

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