A Maidstone man who conspired to supply large amounts of drugs has been jailed for 12 years.

Between March and June 2020, Mark Dinnage used an encrypted mobile phone platform where he was known by the handle Modest Dragon to direct couriers purchasing and supplying cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis.

But the communication system was infiltrated by international enforcement agencies and incriminating details relating to organised criminals in the UK were passed to the National Crime Agency.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate reviewed data concerning Dinnage’s offending and were able to prove the messages co-ordinating the movement of cash and drugs using a pseudonym, were in fact him.

The 42-year-old was arrested on September 9 last year at his home in Lesley Place, and was later charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs.

Dinnage pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was yesterday sentenced to 12 years in jail.

DC Aaron Chapman, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: "Dinnage was at a high level in the crime gang that supplied considerable quantities of drugs throughout the county.

DC Chapman said: "He will have felt untouchable letting others take the risks while using an encrypted communication platform. His confidence was misjudged and he is now serving a prison sentence.

"We will of course be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seek to recover cash and any other assets he has acquired through his criminal activity."