An Ipswich drug dealer who ran a drug line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the town has been jailed for four years and three months.

Thirty-one-year-old Akeem Long had sent out bulk messages advertising the sale of heroin and crack cocaine to drug users while running the “Tiny” drug line between March and May last year, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Long was arrested by police who went to Sapphire Court in Ipswich on May 11, said Simon Gladwell, prosecuting.

Ipswich Star: Akeem Long has been jailed for four years and three months.Akeem Long has been jailed for four years and three months. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

After being handcuffed he had pulled away as an officer tried to take his mobile phone but he was taken to the ground, said Simon Gladwell, prosecuting.

Long of Dillwyn Street West, Ipswich, admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possessing cannabis obstructing a police officer and possessing criminal property.

In addition to being jailed, Long who has 57 previous convictions, was made the subject of a serious crime prevention order for five years.

Long had faced a minimum seven year jail sentence for his third class a drug trafficking offence but Judge David Wilson found exceptional circumstances for not imposing a sentence that long after hearing about Long’s personal circumstances and the fact he had taken steps to address his offending behaviour.