A drug dealer who was arrested twice in a fortnight in Maidstone has been jailed for four years.

Plain clothed officers were in County Road on May 25, when they spotted Mohammed Mousazia acting suspiciously.

They approached and identified themselves as police officers, at which point Mousazia jumped on a mountain bike and tried to ride off leaving a cannabis deal on the floor.

The officers arrested him in connection with drug dealing and seized two mobile phones.

In custody, Mousazia gave a false address, but investigators used keys in his possession to find and gain access to his home in Randall Street. Inside they seized cannabis, 22 heroin deals and £1,300.

One of Mousazia’s keys opened the lock on an outbuilding in the rear garden where the officers found more cannabis.

He was later released pending further investigation.

The seized drugs were analysed and found to have a street value in excess of £3,000.

On June 5, officers were near to Mousazia’s home address when they saw him walking towards them.

On noticing the officers, he ran off and they found cannabis discarded in a nearby garden.

When they tracked Mousazia down he admitted the drugs belonged to him and, on checking his mobile phone, they found messages relating to dealing.

He was in possession of £230 and was again arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.

Mousazia was later charged with two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and one count of possessing heroin with intent to supply on May 25.

He was also charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply on June 5.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court this week, Mousazia pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in prison.

District commander, chief inspector Ray Quiller said: "Drug dealers like Mousazia cause misery to the most vulnerable in our community and affect the quality of life of the those living in the town.

"It is for these reasons that we deploy officers in plain clothes who are skilled in spotting drug dealers and bringing them to justice.

"Anybody thinking of coming to Maidstone to supply drugs of any kind should think again. My officers will be waiting for them."