East Kent Drug Dealer Jailed for More Than Seven Years

A leading member of a county line supplying drugs across East Kent has been jailed for more than seven years.

In 2022 detectives dismantling the so called Marlow line identified Kawser Azad as a key suspect and as enquiries progressed, officers gathered intelligence linking him to the supply of drugs in the Canterbury area.

On Wednesday 13 July 2022, patrol officers travelling along Stodmarsh Road spotted a black Mercedes being driven by Azad. An unmarked police vehicle began following him, but as soon as officers activated their lights, Azad accelerated away at high speed. During the pursuit he reached at least 72mph in a 30mph zone.

The vehicle came to an abrupt stop in Sussex Avenue, where officers detained and arrested Azad on suspicion of dangerous driving. A search of the Mercedes uncovered two mobile phones and around 70 wraps of suspected Class A drugs. Azad was further arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled substances. Forensic analysis later confirmed the seized items to be 37 wraps of diamorphine and 38 wraps of crack cocaine. Examination of the mobile phones revealed extensive evidence of drug dealing, including a bulk message sent to hundreds of contacts advertising deals such as ‘1 for 10, 2 for 15, 3 for 20’.

Azad, a British national, was subsequently charged with four offences, including two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, the facilitation of a person with intent to exploit and dangerous driving. He was remanded in custody and appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court the following day, and was granted bail.

The 29 year old, from Northampton, later pleaded guilty to all charges and on Friday 1 May, he was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court to seven years in prison.

Detective Constable Danny Holloway said:

‘Kawser Azad brought dangerous illegal drugs into East Kent, and I am pleased that he has received a custodial sentence for the harm he brought to our community. I want this to serve as an example to others involved in the drug trafficking industry – we will find you, and we will bring you to justice.’