A MAN involved in a drugs supply operation between Surrey and the Isle of Wight has been jailed for more than five years.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary investigated 38-year-old Kieran Rainford’s involvement in the supply of heroin and cocaine from November 19, 2019, to February 15, 2021, when Rainford was arrested in the Fareham area.

Shortly after his arrest, he was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Rainford, of Cressall Close, Leatherhead, Surrey, initially denied the offences, but admitted them at Southampton Crown Court on November 24, 2021.

Phone data obtained by the police investigation revealed Rainford was in charge of five phones which he used to send marketing messages to drug users on the Island, in addition to his own personal phone.

Following a lengthy investigation and analysis of phone data, officers were able to link Rainford to the ‘Mikey’ County Lines drug network.

Appearing at Newport Crown Court today (Friday), Recorder Paul Garlick jailed Rainford for five and a half years.

Rainford was also ordered to pay a £181 victim surcharge.

Detective Constable Rob Harnett, who investigated the case, said: “Investigations of this nature are always lengthy and complex, but we were able to identify that drug users on the Isle of Wight were receiving regular contact from a dealer known only as ‘Mikey’.

“The evidence we obtained during the course of our investigation linked Rainford to the Mikey line, and showed he would use as many as five different mobile phone SIM cards to try to stay under the radar.

“I am pleased this case has now concluded and Rainford is behind bars for these crimes.”

Tackling County Lines drug supply and the associated harm is a priority for police.

They anyone with information about the supply of drugs in their area to report it so they can develop a 'strong intelligence picture' and take action.

Call 101, or submit information via hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Alternatively, make a report 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.