A DRUG dealer who orchestrated the supply of crack cocaine and heroin into Colchester has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Aaron Johnson and David Connor ran the “Ted” drugs line in the city, mostly focusing on Berechurch and Greenstead.

Police officers swooped in on Johnson, 36, and arrested him as he drove in Southway on the morning of July 11.

Simon Gladwell, prosecuting at Ipswich Crown Court, said Johnson held the drugs line and was found in possession of its phone and about £800 cash when arrested.

Gazette: Jailed - drug dealer Aaron JohnsonJailed - drug dealer Aaron Johnson (Image: Essex Police)

Mr Gladwell said the arrest was followed by warrants executed at both Johnson and his girlfriend’s properties, and at Connor’s home in Bell Close, Colchester.

The court heard during these raids hundreds of pounds of cash was seized, as well as “burner” phones and drugs paraphernalia.

Johnson admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Connor, 37, of Berefield Way, Colchester, admitted the same offences limited to July 11 but his sentencing was adjourned so a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

Gazette: Sentenced - Aaron Johnson, from Colchester, was jailed at Ipswich Crown CourtSentenced - Aaron Johnson, from Colchester, was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

Judge Martyn Levett said the Ted line was taken by Johnson from Colchester to London frequently to “reload” his drugs supply.

He said: “This is a syndicate that has been operating in a rather successful way for a period of time.

“There is undoubtedly an opportunity for the community where these drugs have been peddled, and there is a well-oiled machine operating this.”

Emma Kutner, for Johnson, said he became addicted to crack cocaine and helped sell it to repay debts he racked up.

Gazette: Drugs line - Aaron Johnson and David Connor ran the Ted drugs line in ColchesterDrugs line - Aaron Johnson and David Connor ran the Ted drugs line in Colchester (Image: ZORAN ORCIK)

“It is a cycle which he has not been able to break out of,” she argued.

The court heard Johnson has 16 previous convictions for 30 offences.

Steven Dyble, for Connor, argued his punishment could be carried out in the community as he was “just a runner” for the drugs line.

But he admitted his client has a “pretty entrenched lifestyle connected to drugs”.

Judge Levett adjourned his sentencing until Monday.