A hapless drug dealer who accidentally dialled emergency services on a burner phone used for illicit deals has been jailed for four years. Darren Eastwood, 31, admitted to supplying cocaine after police discovered 150 grams of the Class A drug and £79,500 in cash at two addresses in Sevenoaks, Kent.
How Eastwood was caught
Eastwood's downfall began when his phone inadvertently dialled the European emergency number 112 on January 11. Operators heard only background noise, but the call allowed investigators to link the device to drug supply messages sent to users. Police later reconnected with the number, and a man who answered refused to give his name but claimed it was a pocket dial.
Detectives examined call data and found the burner phone was used in the same locations as Eastwood's personal phone. On one occasion, both devices called the same number. Officers also discovered a message sent on December 24, 2025, advertising 'Christmas deals' to drug users.
Arrest and sentencing
Eastwood was arrested on Hitchen Hatch Road on January 16 after being found with wraps of cocaine, two mobile phones, and £79,500 in cash. He was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply, and possession of criminal property. He admitted all charges at Maidstone Crown Court on January 19 and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Detective Constable 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.' He 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 investigation resulted in a large quantity of drugs being removed from the streets, Eastwood's imprisonment, and the seizure of thousands of pounds intended for criminal profit.
