Kent Police’s targeted action against suspected drug dealers has seen 45 people arrested and more than £35,000 in cash seized during the latest County Lines Intensification Week. More than 280 wraps of cocaine and 235 wraps of heroin were also taken off the streets leading to 21 ‘lines’ disrupted.
The national week of action which ran from Monday 1 March 2024 until Sunday 10 March 2024 entailed focussed, co-ordinated action targeting county line offenders, safeguarding victims and protecting children and vulnerable adults.
A county line is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal substances into towns and counties, using dedicated mobile phone lines to sell their products. They often exploit children and vulnerable adults to move and store their drugs and money, often with the use of intimidation, violence and weapons.
The week’s activity included:
- On 5 March officers conducted a warrant at a property in Gravesend where they found wraps of cocaine and heroin, plus various mobile phones, a knife and about £2,000 in cash. A 27 year-old man from Gravesend was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine. He was bailed to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on 3 April 2024.
- Officers charged a man aged 26, also from Gravesend with two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs following his arrest on 5 March. He was bailed to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on 4 April 2024. Two females within the address were also safeguarded.
- A cannabis factory containing almost 230 plants was dismantled in Sittingbourne on 6 March. a man aged 29 was charged with producing a controlled drug. He will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 5 April 2024.
- Following a warrant at an address in Dover on 6 March officers found several wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, cash and sim cards hidden within the packaging of a nappy bag on a child’s bed and on top of a wardrobe. A further quantity of drugs were also found when searching a person who entered the property while officers were inside. Three people were arrested on suspicion of drug offences and have been bailed pending further enquiries. Officers also made arrangements to safeguard the children who were also inside the property.
- Officers conducted a warrant at an address in the Sevenoaks area on 4 March. Two people were arrested, and a mobile phone believed to be used in county line drug dealing was seized. A suspected stolen vehicle was also recovered. A man aged 24, from the same address was charged with being concerned in supply of a class A drug and handling stolen goods. Enquiries are underway to re-unite the owner with their vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the offences and will be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court at a later date.
- A stop check on a vehicle in Tunbridge Wells and subsequent search of a the vehicle and a property in Leigh near Southborough uncovered several mobile phones, digital scales, a stab vest and hammers and samurai swords. A man aged 28, from Tunbridge Wells was charged with supplying class A and B drugs and possession of a class B drug. He was remanded in custody and due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 2 April 2024.
- Three people have been charged with drug and weapon offences following a pro-active stop in Gillingham on 7 March. Officers arrested the three men in Gillingham following intelligence they were involved in drug dealing. Subsequent searches found a mobile phone suspected to be used to deal drugs. A 24-year-old from Enfield, Greater London was charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug. A man aged 22, from Enfield, Greater London was also charged with conspiracy to supply a class A drug, and a 22-year-old from Enfield, Greater London was charged with conspiracy to supply class A drug and possession of an offensive weapon. They will all appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 5 April 2024.
- A warrant at an address in Ramsgate uncovered class A drugs, a baton, CDS spray and a knuckle duster. Two people who were in the property were arrested on suspicion of drug offences and bailed pending further enquiries.
Safeguarding
In addition to the enforcement activity, the team worked alongside other agencies to identify and safeguard those at risk of being exploited by the county lines dealers. This included safeguarding 15 people, including children who were provided help and support from The Catch22 County Lines Support and Rescue service. Schools were also visited to educate young people on the dangers posed by gangs.
Detective Inspector Rob Goodban said:
‘County lines drug dealing is an issue shared by forces across the UK. It places vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation by those who travel to Kent and other counties to sell illegal substances.
‘We know the detrimental impact the misuse of drugs can have on people’s lives and we work continuously to arrest and deter drug dealers targeting our towns all year round.
‘But by running operations like these we are sending out a clear message to criminals that this behaviour will not be tolerated.’