A drug dealer who tried to flush cocaine down the toilet to avoid arrest has been jailed for five years and six months.
Police Pursuit Leads to Arrest
On December 12, 2024, a police patrol in Ordnance Street, Chatham, spotted a man acting suspiciously, believing he was dealing cocaine. When officers approached, the suspect fled the scene, leading them to an address in Fort Pitt Street.
The man, later identified as Benjamin Newton-Alfred, 37, ran straight to the bathroom and began frantically flushing drugs down the toilet. However, officers quickly entered the property, arrested him, and recovered evidence before it could be destroyed.
Drugs, Cash, and Weapons Found
During the search, police discovered:
Cocaine
Around £5,000 in cash
A knife
A mobile phone
When questioned, Newton-Alfred denied dealing drugs, claiming the cash was from social security benefits.
Court Sentence
Newton-Alfred, from Curtismill Way, Orpington, London, was charged with:
Possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply
Possessing criminal property (the seized cash)
Possessing a knife in a public place
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on March 21, 2025, to five years and six months in prison.
Police Warning to Drug Dealers
Investigating officer PC Stanley McQueen said:
“This man is a prolific drug dealer. 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.”
PC McQueen warned other dealers that anyone bringing drugs to Medway can expect the same swift response from law enforcement.
