A pair of drug dealers who used an encrypted mobile phone to supply others have been jailed for more than 12 years.

Between March 26 and June 6, 2020, Robert Shearmur and Harry Darke purchased large amounts of cocaine and ketamine and distributed it for a profit.

Using an encrypted phone, they co-ordinated the movement of drugs using pseudonyms 'Basilowl' and 'Lizardfoot'.

Examination of the transactions mentioned in their messages shows they traded around 20 kilos of cocaine and four kilos of ketamine over a 52-day period.

They also sent messages to each other suggesting using their illegal gains in property development.

Shearmur, of Breach Lane, Lower Halstow, was arrested on November 9, 2021, with a compressed block of ketamine seized from the passenger footwell in his van.

His house was later searched and officers recovered a Taser, pepper spray and a machete.

'These two men ran a highly profitable business supplying considerable quantities of drugs to other dealers'

Darke, of Burtons Lane, Claygate, near Marden, was arrested on November 15.

Seized documents revealed the two men had a joint bank account which, in 2021, contained £140,000.

Both men were later charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being concerned in the supply of ketamine.

Shearmur, 34, and Darke, 27, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

Shearmur was sentenced to 13 years and six months in jail and Darke was imprisoned for 12 years.10 October 2022

DC Freddie Elpass-Collins, of the serious organised crime unit, said: "These two men ran a highly profitable business supplying considerable quantities of drugs to other dealers.

"They will have felt untouchable using an encrypted communication platform while seeking to launder their profits through property purchases.

"Their confidence was misjudged and they are now serving prison sentences."