Two London gang members who travelled to Medway to supply drugs have been jailed for more than of nine years between them.

Abu Khalisadar, 35 and Neejam Khan, 28, both from Poplar, were arrested after officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate intercepted a Vauxhall Mokka as it was travelling along Watling Street, Strood, in May.

On searching the 4x4 vehicle they found a small quantity of suspected cocaine and heroin on Khan and on the back seat of the car.

Both were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences and were taken to a local police station.

Whilst in custody large quantities of cocaine and heroin were found on Khan.

In total 60 wraps of class A drugs were seized, which had an approximate street value of £600.

Further searches of their home addresses in London found evidence of preparation for class A drug distribution into Kent.

Mobile phones seized from the properties also showed their county drugs line supply activity.

A county line is the name given to urban based gangs who supply drugs into suburban and rural locations.

Khalisadar pleaded guilty to two offences concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin and was sentenced to five years nine months and Khan pleaded guilty to two offences of possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin and received three years six months.

DI Gary Scarfe from the directorate, said: “We are focused is on tackling gang related crime and removing county line networks as they are known to exploit the vulnerable and cause significant harm our communities.

“We have a number of dedicated officers whose role it is to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute those engaging in supplying drugs into and within Kent.

“I would like to reassure the public that tackling drug related crime is a priority.

We are committed to investigating, disrupting and dismantling gang criminality including their drug distribution networks whether they generate from London or are within Kent.

“The undoing of these individual’s county line network and their sentencing should sent a clear message to those who currently supply drugs into Kent’s communities that we will pursue you and bring you to justice.”

Anyone with information on those engaging in drug supply criminality or potential vulnerable victims subject of exploitation by gangs are urged to call Kent police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.