A major crackdown on illicit drug supply lines across Medway has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of Class A drugs, cash, and mobile devices over a three-day period.
The proactive enforcement operation began on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, when a vehicle drew the attention of a police patrol on Maidstone Road, Rochester. The car failed to stop initially, coming to a halt only after a collision involving two other vehicles, which resulted in the immediate arrest of the driver. Later that same day, officers intercepted a second suspicious vehicle on Capstone Road, Chatham, detaining another suspect.
The momentum continued into Friday, 5 June, with two further suspects separately detained during targeted stops on Canadian Avenue, Gillingham, and the A2 in Newington.
Following these arrests, police successfully intercepted and seized significant quantities of cocaine, alongside illicit cash and mobile phones believed to be used in coordinate drug dealing networks.
Three men have since been formally charged and brought before magistrates. A 27-year-old from Rochester faces charges of dangerous driving, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and the assault of an emergency worker. A 51-year-old from Gillingham has been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession of criminal property, and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. Both individuals have been remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 3 July 2026.
Additionally, a 47-year-old from Chatham has been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. He has also been remanded in custody ahead of his appearance at Maidstone Crown Court on 6 July 2026. A fourth individual, a 53-year-old man from Gillingham, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.