A drug dealer who did not realise he was being watched by police as he passed something to a man in the street has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Jason Brown, of Wigmore Road, Gillingham, was arrested after being spotted by officers in Marine Parade, Sheerness, in the act of a suspected drug deal.

The 27-year-old was seen by Kent Police’s Proactive Targeting Team passing an item to a man who had approached his Citroen van on Sunday, July 30.

The patrol stopped Brown’s van in Broadway, Sheerness, and searched the vehicle where they found cash, a number of cocaine deals and a mobile phone.

More class A drugs were recovered from Brown’s home address.

Brown was already on licence following a previous drug-related prison sentence and was charged with possessing class A drugs with intent to supply.

The Gillingham resident pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on Monday, November 27 to three years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Alex Burgham, of North Kent CID, said the dealer was “undoubtedly making plenty of cash while supplying cocaine to local users”.

He added: “Brown made the common mistake of believing he would not be arrested.

“His confidence was misplaced, however, and officers discreetly deployed in an unmarked police vehicle spotted Brown completing a deal.

“This led to his arrest and he has now been brought to justice alongside his partner in crime.”