This is the moment a prolific drug dealer frantically tried to flush cocaine down a toilet to avoid being arrested.

Benjamin Newton-Alfred ran away after seeing police officers in Ordnance Street, Chatham, on December 12, who suspected he was selling in the area.

He was chased to an address in Fort Pitt Street where he ran straight into the bathroom.

When constables entered the building, they could hear frantic flushing of the toilet so gained access to the room where they then arrested the 37-year-old.

In bodyworn footage, Newton-Alfred is seen sitting on the floor leaning against the bath while officers searched his pockets.

They found multiple bags of cocaine, around £5,000 in cash, a knife and a mobile phone.

When he was interviewed, he denied dealing drugs and said the money seized by the police was from his social security benefits.

Newton-Alfred, of Curtismill Way, Orpington, was later charged with possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, possessing criminal property and possessing a knife in a public place.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Friday (March 21) he was jailed for five years and six months.

Investigating officer, PC Stanley McQueen, said: “This man is a prolific drug dealer and our local officers immediately spotted him when he sought to conduct his criminal activity in Chatham.

“He ran from our patrols and thought flushing cocaine down the toilet would prevent his arrest, but investigators recovered sufficient evidence to ensure he was brought to justice.

“Anyone else who thinks travelling to the Medway Towns to deal drugs is a good idea can expect the same treatment from our diligent patrols.”