A DRUG dealer who was selling crack cocaine and heroin was arrested after a suspected drug deal.

Kareem Francis was arrested after police witnessed a suspected drug deal in Meon Crescent in Chandler's Ford.

The 27-year-old's car was then followed by officers until it was stopped on Winchester Road.

He got out of his car to be searched by police but left a quantity of cocaine and two phones behind on his car seat.

A large amount of Class A drugs, cling film, scales and around £1,000 in cash were also found in his clothing.

Police were then led to a hotel room in Ocean Village that Francis had booked into, where more drugs were found and seized.

Messages on one of the phones showed that Francis was running the ‘Smal Boi’ drugs line operating mainly in Hythe and Eastleigh.

The incident happened on October 3 and was part of a force-wide crackdown on drug networks.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin at Southampton Crown Court .

Francis, of Purbrook Close, Southampton, was sentenced to three years in prison and the drugs were destroyed.

PC Daniel Martin from Western Investigations was the officer in the case. He said: “We will not tolerate Class A drugs being supplied in Southampton; as well as the harm it causes to those taking the drugs, it brings organised crime, violence, weapons and exploitation of vulnerable adults and children into our community.

“By taking Francis off our streets Southampton is that much safer.

“Please continue to report information about drug dealing in your neighbourhood – you are our eyes and ears and help us to achieve results like this.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook