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London drug dealers jailed in Margate in 'county lines' operation

By: Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Published: 14:00, 15 October 2019

Updated: 14:03, 15 October 2019

Video has captured the moment two London drug dealers were arrested after travelling to Kent to sell heroin and crack cocaine.

Ben Mbuta-Mapasa, 22, and Robert Durao, 19, were seen walking around Margate on the afternoon of April 4, by police officers who suspected they were selling drugs.

Body-worn camera footage released by police show the moment the two men were stopped and searched at a store in Northdown Road.

It shows an officer search Durao, before finding a mix of heroin and crack cocaine wraps worth a combined £5,000 inside what appears to be a glove tucked inside his jacket's inner pocket..

Mbuta-Mapasa was later found with a mobile phone, thought to be a "county line" used by dealers to advertise when drugs are for sale.

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Both also carried London-to-Margate train tickets.

The young men were charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

Robert Durao. Pic: Kent Police (19362981)

Durao, of Autumn Way in West Drayton, admitted the charge, and at Canterbury Crown Court on October 7 was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.

'They were not here to simply enjoy a day on the beach' - Det Con Keith Rochford

Mbuta-Mapasa, of Tintern Way, Harrow, denied his involvement but was found guilty following a trial. He has now been sentenced to four years and six months in jail.

Investigating officer Det Con Keith Rochford said: "This was a typical case of county line drug dealers on a trip to Kent to ply their illegal trade.

"It was clear to officers that the behaviour of these two meant they were not here to simply enjoy a day on the beach.

Ben Mbuta-Mapasa. Pic: Kent Police (19362984)

"Drugs ruin lives and we do not tolerate any kind of illegal activity linked to drugs.

"The amount of drugs seized that day would have left these dealers out of pocket and their trade disrupted."

Anyone who had any concerns about suspected drug dealing in their community is urged to report it to police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in action.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet

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