Dozens arrested in Kent following weeklong police crackdown on County Lines gangs

Targeted action against suspected drug dealers saw 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 saw focussed, co-ordinated action targeting county line offenders, safeguarding victims and protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Exporting illegal substances

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.

Some of the week’s activity included:

• On 5 March officers conducted a warrant at a property in Homemead Court, Gravesend where they found wraps of cocaine and heroin, plus various mobile phones, a knife and about £2,000 in cash. Nahom Gebermskel, 27, of Homemead Court, 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.
• A cannabis factory containing almost 230 plants was dismantled in Portland Avenue, Sittingbourne on 6 March. Bao Hoang, 29 of the same address was charged with producing a controlled drug. He will appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 5 April 2024.
• 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. Kane Foyle, 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 Meadow Bank, Leigh near Southborough uncovered several mobile phones, digital scales, a stab vest and hammers and samurai swords. Alex Underwood, 28, from Broomhill Park Road, 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.

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.’

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.