Colchester drug dealer Aaron Johnson is jailed at court

Aaron Johnson, 36, was jailed for five-and-a-half years for his role in running the “Ted” drugs line in the city.

The drugs line phone was frequently detected by police travelling back and forth to London, as well as in the Berechurch and Greenstead areas of Colchester.

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

Drug supply - Aaron Johnson ran the 'Ted' drugs line which peddled crack cocaine and heroin into Colchester (Image: Essex Police)

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.

Mr Gladwell said the arrest was followed by warrants executed at both Johnson and his girlfriend’s properties.

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.

Sentenced - Johnson was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday (Image: Archant)

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.

“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.

His co-defendant, David Connor, will be sentenced on Monday.