A 57-year-old drug dealer from Tunbridge Wells is behind bars today after police found him with a seven gram 'ball' of uncut heroin and 22 wraps of the same drug.

Michael Taylor was sentenced to three years imprisonment for supplying heroin and possessing crack cocaine in Tunbridge Wells.

In July, a plain-clothed police officer found Taylor, of Gladstone Road, with the class A drug in Rusthall.

Officers became suspicious of a vehicle travelling in Common View, a dead-end residential road that leads to an area of woodland.

As they watched the vehicle, on July 18, the driver headed into the woods and met Taylor.

A number of wraps of suspected drugs were recovered from the path where the men were standing and Taylor was arrested at the scene.

Forensic officers examined the packaging and found Taylor's DNA on them. The drug inside was confirmed as heroin.

Cash and a mobile phone were seized from Taylor and police discovered he had been involved in a number of drug deals in the area.

He was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin.

On October 7 he was again discovered by police with the substance on him, this time at a property in Gladstone Road.

A body search revealed he had 22 wraps of heroin in his possession and a seven gram ball of uncut heroin.

Officers again analysed his mobile phone data, which showed he had been in possession of crack cocaine.

He was subsequently charged with possessing heroin with intent to supply and possessing crack cocaine.

Taylor pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply and further charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of crack cocaine.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.

Inspector Chris Mayers, from the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit, said: "Taylor played an active role in the supply of heroin in our area and I welcome the sentence he has received.

"He was involved in an illegal trade, which exploits vulnerable people and destroys not only their lives, but also the lives of their family.

"We will continue to work hard to reduce the harm caused by drugs in our community by both targeting dealers and working alongside support services to help drug users.

"I would also like to encourage anyone who believes they have information on the supply of drugs to contact us on 101."