A man who tried to hide heroin in his mouth while being arrested by officers has been jailed for three years.

Homeless Mustapha Bello was arrested by officers from Kent Police’s Operation Jupiter team in Chatham in October 2016.

The 32-year-old was later found with heroin and crack cocaine with an estimated street value of more than £850.

Operation Jupiter is a local strategy designed to tackle emerging criminal gangs who have members travelling into Kent from other areas, often to sell drugs.

Following an investigation by the team, Bello pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard that at around 1.45pm on October 12, last year, officers became suspicious of Bello after they saw him meet a man in the Beaconsfield Road area in Chatham before heading to a concealed area.

As they approached the pair, Bello tried to run but was detained by a constable. As he was being detained, he attempted to put items in his mouth.

Three wraps of heroin fell to the floor as he was handcuffed.

During a subsequent search of a property Bello was living in at the time officers found heroin, crack cocaine and a small amount of cannabis. There was enough heroin for 72 deals and enough crack cocaine for 12 deals.

Cash, mobile phones and weighing scales were also seized, with analysis of Bello’s phone revealing that he had been supplying people in the town.

DC Mark Donovan, the investigating officer, said: "I have no doubt that the heroin found in Bello’s possession would have found its way onto the street had officers not acted when they did.

"This heroin will now be destroyed and cannot cause harm to people affected by drug misuse in Chatham."