A Beckton man has been jailed for five years and three months for drug dealing after British Transport Police (BTP) investigators followed a money trail to reveal the extent of his criminal activity.

It revealed �6,500 flowing into the bank accounts of Levi Esty, who was receiving �65-a-week in jobseekers allowance.

Esty, 25, of Winsor Road, pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of drugs with intent to supply and one of possession of a prohibited weapon before being found guilty of two counts of money laundering.

He was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court.

Esty was stopped by police selling drugs from his car outside Notting Hill Gate station on August 26 last year. A search revealed 20 grams of cannabis, three grams of ecstasy, almost ten grams of cocaine and 17 grams of ketamine, plus �1,000 in cash.

Taser

At his home officers uncovered small quantities of illegal drugs, as well as a Taser stun gun and paraphernalia for dealing drugs.

Bank records showed Esty spent more than �5,000 hiring cars between April and October 2010, and paid more than �6,500 into his accounts from February 2010 to February 2011.

Det Sgt Neil Black, from BTP, said evidence showed Esty was running a very profitable drug dealing business to live far beyond his legitimate means.

He said: “Esty could not account for thousands of pounds that were flowing in and out of his bank accounts, all while he was claiming benefits.

“We examined his mobile phones and found evidence that he had been dropping off drugs to customers all over London.

“Esty had been making his money through dealing drugs and the comprehensive evidence that was presented in court led to his conviction.”