Kent Police On County Line Crackdown

A week-long operation targeting county line drug dealing led to 47 people being arrested and more than £100,000 in cash being seized by Kent Police.

A total of 28 weapons including machetes, samurai swords, crossbows and knives were also recovered between Monday 2nd and Sunday 8th March. Of the 47 suspects arrested, 23 have since been charged with 63 separate offences.

During the proactive week, 40 separate addresses were searched, with officers making 29 drug seizures including heroin, crack cocaine, GHB, ketamine, steroids and methamphetamine.

County lines drug dealing refers to organised criminal networks that co-ordinate the sale of drugs in urban areas, often exploiting vulnerable people.

Activity during the operation across Kent included a warrant being executed on Friday 6th March at a farm here in Sittingbourne. Inside the premises officers recovered cocaine, several mobile phones, a Katana sword and drug cutting and supply paraphernalia. A serrated hunting knife, knuckle duster and a blade were also seized. Two caravans were found, along with car parts and a generator. All were confirmed stolen.

A further address search led to officers seizing two crossbows and more cocaine. Barry Daynes, 37, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing, has since been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. He was bailed upon charge and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 7th April.

Albert Scamp, 39, of Sheppey Way, Bobbing, has been charged with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. He has been bailed upon charge and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 7th May. Enquiries are ongoing in connection with the stolen caravans and vehicle parts.

Detective Inspector Andy Leventis of Kent Police told SFM News: "We regularly carry out proactive operations targeting county line drug dealers. Those involved often target vulnerable people within our community. They bring misery and criminality to the streets of Kent and we want to make sure they know they are not welcome. Along with drug dealing they bring violence and are often involved in other offences including theft and cuckooing. They target young, vulnerable people and trap them in a world they so often do not want to be a part of, destroying their lives and those around them. We will not hesitate to stop these networks from operating within Kent and will continue to tackle this criminality on a daily basis. Anyone who suspects a drug dealer is living near them or is trying to exploit them or someone they know, should report it to us online at www.kent.police.uk/report."

Alternatively it can be reported FREE and anonimously to Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/pre-form