A DRUG dealer, who was running a so-called county line supplying heroin and crack cocaine on the streets of Harlow, has been jailed for more than two years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how 40-year-old John-Paul Pace was running a drug dealing operation, known as the “Frankie” line with 28-year-old Jade Bobb.

Officers from the West Operation Raptor team began an investigation into the line after receiving information that it was prevalent in Harlow in supplying Class A drugs.

After carrying out extensive enquiries, the officers raided the home of Bobb in Templefields House in River Way, Harlow on November 4 last year.

They searched the property and found clear evidence of drug dealing including: various mobile phones that were forensically linked to the “Frankie” line; digital scales used to weigh drugs; cash and cannabis.

Both were arrested and charged and Bobb was jailed for four years nine months in February after admitting being concerned in the supply and possession with intent to supply drugs.

Pace also of Templefields House, Harlow was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and two counts of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

He was jailed for 27-months following a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Following the sentencing, Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “It was clear from all the evidence we found that Pace and Bobb were running the ‘Frankie’ drugs line and supplying heroin and crack cocaine to drug users across Harlow.

“However they are now both off of the streets and behind bars where they can spend the next few years thinking about an alternative career path.

“Dealers like these two have no regard for anything other than the money make. They give no consideration to the vulnerability or welfare of the drug users they supply or the wider harm their actions cause on our communities.

“However Operation Raptor exists to put people like them behind bars and keep our towns safe from ruthless drug dealers.”

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pace was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday 4 March.