A drug dealer who attempted to conceal a lock knife beside the passenger seat of a taxi has been jailed.

Maurice Lennon was spotted by police leaving an address in St Patrick’s Gardens, Gravesend and getting into a cab in August 2019.

The 24-year-old, of Tivoli Road, West Norwood, was suspected to have connections to drug dealing and was pursued by officers.

The vehicle was followed and, when other patrols arrived to assist, was pulled over in Gravesend Road, Higham.

Lennon was the only passenger and when he was searched, a mobile phone and £435 in cash was recovered.

His phone, which was continually ringing, contained more than 70 text messages related to the sale of class A drugs.

A lock knife was also seized despite Lennon’s attempts to hide it beside the passenger seat.

Lennon was immediately charged and remanded in custody.

While on remand at HMP Elmley, a mobile phone was found hidden inside his cell.

He admitted possessing the device without authority to do so and was sentenced for this along with the other charges.

Lennon appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today where he admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possessing a knife in a public place and acquiring criminal property.

He was jailed for five years and 11 months.

Detective Sergeant Andy Leventis, from Kent Police’s County Line and Gang Team, said: "This case is another example of our officers using their local knowledge to target offenders who cause significant harm to our communities.

"Their vigilance, and quick decision making, led to an organised drug dealer being detained and helped prevent heroin and crack cocaine making its way onto our streets.

"We have no tolerance for anyone who seeks to supply drugs in our communities and, as Lennon has found out, each day we are patrolling the neighbourhoods, and gathering new evidence, to help ensure offenders face the most robust action possible."

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