A county lines drug dealer who tried to swallow drugs as he was being arrested has been jailed for nearly five years.

Investigation Into Drug Supply Network

In November 2024, Kent Police launched an investigation after identifying that two phone numbers linked to an organised crime group were being used to supply crack cocaine and heroin to drug users in Medway.

Enquiries revealed that the dealers were operating from Hastings, and that Leesean Francis, 25, was responsible for contacting buyers.

Dramatic Arrest in St Leonards-on-Sea

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, police officers travelled to an address in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, where they spotted Francis leaving a property.

As they moved in to arrest him, Francis attempted to remove a packet of crack cocaine and heroin from his underwear and swallow it. However, officers prevented him from doing so and seized the drugs before taking him into custody. A mobile phone, suspected to be used for drug deals, was also recovered.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Francis, of Moorland Road, Brixton, London, was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to:

• Being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine
• Being concerned in the supply of heroin
• Possession of heroin with intent to supply

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, he was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison.

Police Warning to Drug Dealers

Detective Constable Hannah Hills, who led the investigation, warned that drug traffickers will face severe consequences if they attempt to supply drugs in Kent.

“These dealers need to understand that as soon as they try to supply class A drugs in Kent, we will find out about their criminal enterprise and take steps to identify them.”

“It is then only a matter of time before they get a visit from one of our enforcement teams and they are swiftly charged and brought to justice.”

Ongoing Crackdown on County Lines Operations

Kent Police remain committed to dismantling county lines drug networks, which exploit vulnerable individuals and contribute to serious crime across the region.

Anyone with information about drug dealing in their area is urged to report it by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.