A drug dealer from Lewisham who was supplying drugs into Surrey as part of a sophisticated county line, has been sent to prison for 3 years, thanks to one wrong digit in a phone number.

25 year old Phillip Paul from Lewisham, was sentenced at Chichester Crown Court on 14 November, to 3 years imprisonment.

We first became aware of a drugs line operating in Redhill, Dorking, Leatherhead and Epsom, back in March of this year, after we had examined the phone messages of a buyer. Messages advertising the sale of drugs including crack cocaine and heroin, were also accidentally sent to the mobile number of a serving Surrey police officer, who reported this into the Proactive Investigation Team.

Through comprehensive phone work and enquiries, officers identified Paul as the ‘line holder’ and he was successfully arrested outside his home. Upon searching him, officers uncovered £337 in cash, a wrap of crack cocaine, three wraps of heroin and a bag containing two grams of cannabis. A number of messages from users requesting to buy drugs were also found on Paul’s phone.

At court, Paul pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of cannabis.

Investigating officer, PC Joseph Brown, said; “Drug dealing can have a hugely disruptive effect on the local community and dealers make their ill-gotten money off the misery of others. If you come into Surrey to deal drugs, we will pursue you and bring you to justice.”