Drug dealer who tried to destroy evidence sentenced to jail

A drug dealer from Deal who attempted to destroy his phone as officers arrested him has been sentenced to prison.

Tallanius Bridgland was arrested on 23 March 2021 after officers executed a warrant at his home in Freeman’s Way, Deal. Investigators had gathered evidence suggesting significant drug dealing activity was taking place at the property.

As officers entered, Bridgland attempted to evade detection by hiding in the kitchen, where he began breaking his mobile phone to destroy evidence. He was detained, searched, and found to be in possession of 22 individual wraps of cocaine. He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. As he was cautioned, he tried to convince officers that it was for ‘personal use’.

Further searches of the property led to the discovery of 93 packets of cannabis edibles as well as multiple bank cards that did not belong to Bridgland.

Investigation

An investigation was launched, and officers examined the recovered bank cards. Analysis identified suspicious financial activity, with large sums of money, approximately £50,000, moving in and out of the account in quick succession. 

A mobile phone linked to Bridgland was recovered and examined. It contained images and videos of drugs, including footage showing multiple bags of cannabis edibles, similar to those seized at the property.

The 31 year old was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, as well as concealing criminal property. He later pleaded guilty to all offences.

Sentenced

On Wednesday 10 June 2026, at Canterbury Crown Court, Bridgland was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Stacey Edwards said:

‘This was a complex investigation involving drug supply and elements of financial crime, and I am pleased that we were able to secure a custodial sentence. It was clear that Bridgland was willing to exploit others for his own criminality and greed.

‘Bridgland is a prolific offender in the Deal area, and his return to prison will remove him from our community and prevent him from casing further harm.’