Kareem Francis, dealer running 'Smal Boi' drugs line in Hythe, is jailed

A MAN who ran a drugs line in Hythe has been jailed for three years.

Kareem Francis (27), of Purbrook Close in Southampton, was arrested in the city on 3rd October last year as part of a crackdown on drug networks.

Officers in Meon Crescent followed a car after watching a possible drug deal take place, before stopping the vehicle in Winchester Road.

Francis got out to be searched, leaving an amount of cocaine and two phones on his car seat.

Officers also found a large amount of class A drugs, cling film, scales and around £1,000 in cash in his clothes.

Police also searched a hotel room in Ocean Village, booked by Francis, where more drugs were found.

Messages on one of the phones showed Francis was running the ‘Smal Boi’ drugs line operating mainly in Hythe and Eastleigh, a police spokesperson said.

Francis was given a three-year prison sentence when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday.

He previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

PC Daniel Martin said: “We will not tolerate class A drugs being supplied in Southampton; as well as the harm it causes to those taking the drugs, it brings organised crime, violence, weapons and exploitation of vulnerable adults and children into our community.

“By taking Francis off our streets Southampton is that much safer.

“Please continue to report information about drug dealing in your neighbourhood – you are our eyes and ears and help us to achieve results like this.”

To report drug dealing in your area, phone 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.