County lines drug dealer Leesean Francis has been sentenced to four years and ten months in prison after a dramatic police arrest in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. The 25-year-old was caught attempting to swallow packets of crack cocaine and heroin during a police bust.
In November 2024, Kent Police launched an operation after tracing two phone numbers linked to an organised crime gang supplying crack cocaine and heroin across Medway. The investigation connected the dealers to Hastings, identifying Francis as the key contact behind the scenes.
On 23 January 2025, officers raided a property in St Leonards-on-Sea where Francis was seen leaving. As police moved to arrest him, he tried to hide a packet of crack cocaine and heroin down his throat. Officers quickly intervened, preventing the stunt and seizing the drugs along with a mobile phone used for coordinating drug deals.
Francis, who lives on Moorland Road in Brixton, London, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to supplying crack cocaine, supplying heroin, and possessing heroin with intent to supply. On 25 February 2025, he was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison.
Detective Constable Hannah Hills, who led the investigation, said: “These dealers need to understand that as soon as they try to supply class A drugs in Kent, we will find out about their criminal enterprise and take steps to identify them. It is then only a matter of time before they get a visit from one of our enforcement teams and they are swiftly charged and brought to justice.”
Kent Police remain committed to dismantling county lines drug networks that exploit vulnerable individuals and contribute to serious crime across the region. Authorities encourage anyone with information about drug dealing to contact police by calling 101 or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
