Drug dealer jailed after pocket dialling police

Patrick BarlowSouth East
Kent Police A man with dark hair and a beard.Kent Police
Darren Eastwood, 31, pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine

A drug dealer who was caught after he pocket dialled the police on a phone used to sell cocaine has been jailed.

Darren Eastwood admitted supplying cocaine after police found about 150g of the Class A drug and £79,500 in cash at two addresses in Sevenoaks, Kent.

The 31-year-old was caught after his phone accidentally called 112, the European emergency line, helping police to confirm that the phone belonged to him.

Det Con Mark Simcox said: "Unfortunately for Eastwood, his hapless pocket-dial sealed his fate as it confirmed what officers already suspected – that he was involved in a drugs line."

At Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, Eastwood, who also admitted possession with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Kent Police A metal safe containing wads of cash.Kent Police
About £79,500 was found in properties linked to Darren Eastwood

Kent Police said that the pocket dial, on 11 January, contained only background noise, but when police called back, Eastwood refused to give his name.

Officers arrested Eastwood in Hitchen Hatch Road on 16 January, where they found him with wraps of cocaine, cash and two mobile phones.

Analysis of the phones found bulk messages to drug users with marketing messages including "Christmas deals" sent on 24 December 2025.

Det Con Simcox added: "Officers are dedicated to disrupting drugs lines in Kent as this illegal trade brings so much misery to the communities they operate in.

"The dedication of all of the officers involved means that a large quantity of drugs is now off the streets, Eastwood is in prison and thousands of pounds intended to line the pockets of criminals has been seized."

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