A drug dealer who threw heroin out of a bathroom window to avoid being arrested has been jailed for three years.

Kehinde Karunwi tried to hide a package containing 26 wraps of the Class A drug after he was seen acting suspiciously by police earlier this year.

The 23-year-old went into a flat in Rochester High Street on March 12, 2016 and when officers knocked on the front door he tried to get rid of the evidence, by throwing the drugs into the gardens below.

At the same time, another police officer was standing directly below the window and saw the package land a short distance away.

Karunwi, formerly of Chatham, was arrested and the package was seized for forensic tests.

During an investigation linked to Kent Police's Operation Jupiter team, the test results confirmed the wraps contained heroin.

DNA results also showed that Karunwi had handled the drugs and a mobile phone located in the property provided further evidence of his role in the supply of drugs.

When he was interviewed by police he admitting throwing them out the window but claimed he was holding them for someone else, and that he wasn't involved in dealing.

But Karunwi pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and was sentenced to three years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on September 9.

Investigating officer DC Stuart Clayton said: "Karunwi had entered the flat with the sole intention of making a deal to sell heroin, but now finds himself as simply another drug dealer who is behind bars.

"Operation Jupiter continues to help us grow our intelligence around those involved in the supply of drugs throughout Medway as well as other parts of north Kent. Your help also remains extremely important in keeping our communities safe. If you see anything suspicious don’t hesitate to call us on 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency."

Operation Jupiter is part of a local strategy designed to tackle emerging criminal gangs, whose members travel into Kent from other areas.

The strategy includes taking robust action to deter criminals in areas including Medway, Swale, Gravesham and Dartford, often in connection with the sale and distribution of drugs.