A man from Enfield has been sentenced to five years and eight months in imprisonment after being caught with a stash of cocaine at Stratford station, a case which underscores ongoing police efforts to combat drug dealing on the rail network.
Teon Francis, 46, of Glenloch Road, Enfield, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, February 12, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and to breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
The Station Arrest
The conviction stems from an incident on May 28 last year, when plain clothes officers from the British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce observed Francis at Stratford station deliberately avoiding uniformed police and attempting to find an alternate exit. Due to his suspicious behaviour and reluctance to answer questions about his travel plans, officers detained him for a search.
Francis protested his innocence and denied having any drugs, but during a struggle where he lashed out and had to be restrained, a quantity of cocaine spilled from his clothing onto the station floor. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, with the spilled packages later confirmed to be wraps of cocaine.
Evidence and Breach of Order
A search following his arrest found Francis was carrying two mobile phones, one of them a burner phone. This placed him in breach of his CBO, which prohibited him from possessing more than one mobile phone. Officers then searched his home, uncovering a small amount of cannabis, a further two burner-style phones, and additional small wraps of white crystal and powder.
Investigating officer PC James Ng, badge number 7230, stated that officers can readily identify individuals attempting to evade them. “Despite his initial claims of innocence Francis was left with no choice but to admit his guilt after the class A drugs he was carrying spilled out in full view of arresting officers,” he said. PC Ng added that Francis remained defiant even while surrounded by the spilled drugs, and emphasised the BTP’s vigilance: “Anyone seeking to ply this evil trade using the rail network should know we have eyes everywhere and it’s just a matter of time before we catch up with you.”
Broader Crackdown in Stratford
This case forms part of a wider pattern of drug enforcement activity in the Stratford area. In May and June of 2024, Stratford Police conducted investigations that led to nine arrests and the seizure of nearly $300,000 worth of drugs, including significant quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, alongside over $250,000 in property and $25,000 in cash. Furthermore, in May 2025, a two-day police operation at Stratford station targeted county lines drug gangs exploiting young people, resulting in several arrests for drug supply and breaches of criminal behaviour orders.
PC Ng urged the public to report suspicious activity on the railway by texting 61016.
