Nine more people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged importation of cannabis from the United States.
Kent Police was notified in 2022 that vacuum-sealed packages of the class B drug had been found hidden in parcels containing children’s toys and clothing sent from California.
On Wednesday 7 June 2023 officers carried out search warrants at a number of addresses in Medway and north Kent, making arrests and seizing quantities of cash, drugs and weapons.
Custody
The following people were taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to import cannabis:
• A 35-year-old man from Greenhithe;
• A 35-year-old woman from Greenhithe;
• A 49-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man arrested at the same address in Swanscombe;
• A 38-year-old man from Gravesend;
• A 26-year-old woman from Swanscombe;
• A 32-year-old woman from Hoo;
• A 41-year-old woman from Chatham;
• A 25-year-old man from Dartford.
Letters
Meanwhile a total of 153 cease and desist letters were sent to addresses known to have received packages linked to the investigation. The recipients have been warned they risk arrest and prosecution if they accept any further deliveries in the future.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have already charged two people as part of their enquiries, who are next due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 9 June.
A man aged 29, from Whitstable, and a 31-year-old man from Sevenoaks, were arrested on Thursday 20 April and subsequently charged with drug offences including conspiracy to import cannabis and the supply of cocaine.