Five drug dealers who once operated in Thanet have been jailed for a total of 27 years.

They were among nearly 30 people arrested during a police operation in June in which undercover officers posed as drug users to catch offenders in the act.

Sentences

The five were:

• Michael Thomas, 40, of Spearman Street, London, who was jailed for seven years
• Anthony Oliver, 35, of New Cross Street, Margate, jailed for five and a half years
• Joshua McKenzie, 22, of Gordon Road, Cliftonville, jailed for four and a half years
• Shivan Stewart, 28, of Perkins Avenue, Margate, jailed for five and a half years
• Victoria Heatman, 31, of Ethelbert Crescent, Cliftonville, jailed for four and a half years

Guilty pleas

They appeared at Canterbury Crown Court for sentencing, having admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Londoner Michael Thomas told officers he had made £200,000 in nine months from his drug deals.

A total of 90 cases are due to be heard at Canterbury Crown Court following a number of operations across east Kent that have been helped by information from members of the public.

'First of many'

Chief Inspector Mitchell Fox, Thanet's district commander, said: 'This is just the first of many court cases following scores of arrests during operations in the summer and autumn across East Kent.

'The purpose was twofold. It has hit the dealing of Class A drugs and is a major step forward in the reduction of associated crime and anti-social behaviour.

'Our focus has also been diminishing demand by encouraging people into drug rehabilitation and treatment.'

Public help

He continued: 'The work would not have been as successful as it has been without members of the public providing us with information. And we want to encourage that to continue.

'A special phone line has been set up to allow people to leave details of individuals they believe are involved in drug-dealing or properties where this is happening. You do not have to leave your details on the answerphone.

'The information will be fed directly to those teams committed to tackling drug crime, crime that has such a damaging and detrimental effect on the entire community.'

Report drug crime

Thanet residents can call the drug line on 01843 236009, Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or contact your neighbourhood officer.

Residents of other parts of the county can call Crimestoppers or contact their local officers.

Posted on: 18 November 2009