A Tunbridge Wells heroin user whose home was also used as a base for a London dealer has been jailed.

David Hopkinswas sentenced to almost three years in prison after allowing a teenager from South Norwood to operate a drugs supply chain from his flat in Charlton's Way.

Hopkins, 32, was arrested after police initially noticed a number of known local drug users acting suspiciously in an area near Eridge Road in May.

He was seen to cycle up to the group before they dispersed a short while later. As Hopkins made his way back home he was stopped and searched and officers prevented him from trying to conceal two wraps of heroin in his mouth.

Police then executed a search warrant at his home and found a 17-year-old male sitting on a sofa.

The teen admitted hiding drugs and cash in the flat and wraps of heroin and crack cocaine were recovered from behind a television.

During a police interview the teenager claimed he was being instructed by another London based criminal to guard the drugs and cash and stay indoors to avoid detection by police.

Hopkins would operate as a 'runner', taking drugs to users and collecting money. In return he received payment in drugs.

At Maidstone Crown Court last week Hopkins was jailed for two years and eight months after previously pleading guilty to permitting the use of his premises to supply heroin and to supplying heroin.

The teenager had previously been sentenced in relation to this incident and also other unrelated offences in August, when he was jailed for two years.

Tunbridge Wells chief inspector Dave Pate said: "Hopkins’ home was effectively used as a safe house, from which drug deals could be organised by a network of criminals with links to London gangs.

"This is strategy which we are seeing used more by criminals, who infiltrate properties by often targeting vulnerable people.

"Criminals are selective with who they are targeting and many of these people may suffer from mental health problems or are drugs addicts themselves.

"I would like to remind residents that we have had a lot of success in putting people before the courts for drug related offences such as these. Since June, 2014 sentences have totalled more than 100 years.

"The message remains the same, if you coming here to deal drugs then we will deal with you."

Police are continuing to tackle gangs moving into Kent to supply drugs.

Kieron Goacher, 41, of Crawford Close, Tunbridge Wells was also convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice, after attempts to warn the teenager to police activity.

Goacher was ordered to pay costs of £900 and must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the local community.