Dealer Jailed After Dropping Cocaine In Front Of Undercover Officers At Stratford Station

A drug dealer who dropped his supply of cocaine on the floor in front of undercover police officers at Stratford station has been jailed following an investigation by British Transport Police.

Teon Francis, 46, of Glenloch Road, Enfield, was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 12 February. He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order which prohibited him from carrying more than one mobile phone.

The court heard that on 28 May last year, plain clothes officers from BTP’s County Lines Taskforce noticed Francis inside Stratford station as he attempted to avoid uniformed officers and find an alternative way out. His behaviour prompted officers to stop him and question him about his travel plans.

When he was told he would be detained and searched due to his conduct and reluctance to cooperate, Francis denied having any drugs and resisted officers, forcing them to restrain him. During the struggle, packages of cocaine fell from his clothing onto the station floor in front of the officers. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. The packages were later confirmed to contain cocaine.

A subsequent search found Francis in possession of two mobile phones, including a burner phone, putting him in breach of his Criminal Behaviour Order. Officers later searched his home, where they discovered a small quantity of cannabis, two additional burner-style phones and small wraps of white crystal and powder.

Investigating officer PC James Ng said:

“Our eagle-eyed officers can tell straight away when criminals are avoiding them and are ready to engage with anyone behaving suspiciously. Despite his initial claims of innocence Francis was left with no choice but to admit his guilt after the class A drugs he was carrying spilt out in full view of arresting officers. Despite this blunder, Francis remained defiant and maintained his innocence even while surrounded by the drugs that had spilt from his coat. Anyone seeking to ply this evil trade using the rail network should know we have eyes everywhere and it’s just a matter of time before we catch up with you. If you spot anything suspicious on the railway, text us on 61016.”

Image: British Transport Police