A drug dealer has been jailed after being stopped by police in the street when they smelt cannabis.

Ricki Maitland, 24, of Richmond Road, Gillingham, was arrested on October 24, last year, when officers found drugs in his possession during a routine stop check.

Maitland was stopped in Henry Street, Chatham by two PCs who thought he was acting suspiciously and could smell cannabis.

A search was carried out and he was found to be carrying both cocaine and cannabis. He was arrested and charged.

Maitland pleaded guilty to the possession of Class A drugs and possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug on January 4, at Maidstone Magistrates Court.

He as been sentenced to two and a half years behind bars.

Investigating officer PC Ben French said: "Kent Police will not tolerate drugs, which can ruin lives. This prosecution also means a quantity of drugs destined for the streets of Medway have been seized and subsequently destroyed.

"Officers can do spot checks at any time when they have reasonable cause to do so and this robust sentence is a good example of why anyone thinking about getting involved in drugs should think again."