A drug dealer who attempted to dispose of cocaine by flushing it down a toilet to evade arrest in Chatham has been jailed.
On December 12, 2024, police officers patrolling Ordnance Street saw a man they suspected was engaged in cocaine dealing within the area. Upon spotting the officers, he fled the scene and was pursued to a property on Fort Pitt Street.
The suspect proceeded directly to the bathroom, and as officers entered the premises, they heard rapid flushing sounds. An officer gained entry to the bathroom and apprehended the suspect. A subsequent search yielded cocaine, approximately £5,000 in cash, a knife, and a mobile phone.
During questioning, the suspect denied involvement in drug dealing, claiming the seized cash was derived from social security payments. 37-year-old, Benjamin Newton-Alfred, from Orpington, London, was later charged with possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property (the seized cash), and possession of a knife in a public place. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Maidstone Crown Court and, on Friday, March 21, 2025, was sentenced to five years and six months’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer, PC Stanley McQueen, said:
‘This man is a prolific drug dealer and our local officers immediately spotted him when he sought to conduct his criminal activity in Chatham.
‘He ran from our patrols and thought flushing cocaine down the toilet would prevent his arrest, but investigators recovered sufficient evidence to ensure he was brought to justice. Anyone else who thinks travelling to the Medway Towns to deal drugs is a good idea can expect the same treatment from our diligent patrols.’