A drug dealer who claimed he sold cocaine in order to support a cannabis addiction has been sentenced to almost three years in prison.

Stephen Gould, from Hadlow, was found to have stored drug supplies under a kitchen sink and within clothing when police entered his Mill View home last year.

Officers from the Tonbridge Community Policing Team executed a search warrant at the address during the early hours of July 18, 2018.

Herbal cannabis with a street value of around £1,250 was discovered hidden underneath the kitchen sink and a jacket found in the living room contained a tub with enough cocaine for up to 30 street deals.

A tick list of customers was located in a bedroom, as well as cash totalling more than £1,000. Multiple empty deal bags, five burner phones and a set of digital scales provided further evidence of dealing.

Gould, 24, was arrested and during police interview admitted to selling cocaine. He claimed he supplied the drug on behalf of other people and received deliveries of cannabis as payment, which he needed to satisfy a heavy addiction.

He was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and with possessing cannabis. At Maidstone Crown Court Gould pleaded guilty and on April 25 was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Leading the investigation was PC James O’Gorman who said: "We work relentlessly to tackle both the misuse and supply of drugs and our officers have extensive knowledge of known users and also the criminals who attempt to operate within our communities and this is really crucial in enabling us to identify and stop people like Gould.

"The support we receive from residents continues to be so important, so please remember to report anything that may seem suspicious. Your help and information is invaluable and ensures places like Hadlow remain a safe area to live."

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