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Targeted action taken against suspected drug dealers has led to six people being remanded in custody, and a 15-year-old charged with planning to deal heroin and crack cocaine.
More than 800 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, ready for sale on the streets, were seized in action across Medway, Gravesend, Maidstone and Dover.
The estimated street value of all seized substances is believed to be in the region £18,000. Cash totalling £8,900, which is suspected to be the proceeds of crime, was also found.
Officers in Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team carried out 16 warrants against individuals believed to be involved in supplying class A substances between Monday, May 17 and Sunday, May 23.
It was part of a national week of action carried out by forces across England and Wales.
Eleven arrests were made, with six people remanded in custody having been charged with supplying drugs.
They are: A 15-year-old boy from Darlington, who has been charged with possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. He was arrested in Chatham High Street on May 18 and, following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 19, has been released on bail to attend Medway Youth Court on July 5.
Jabari Richardson, 23, of Rochester Road, Gravesend. He has been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and assaulting an emergency services worker after being arrested in Church Walk, Gravesend, on May 18. Following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 19, he was remanded in custody to attend Woolwich Crown Court on June 16.
Raheem Johnson, 18, of Kelvington Road, Dulwich. He has been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin after being arrested at his home address on May 19. Following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 20, he has been remanded in custody to attend Maidstone Crown Court on June 17.
James Marshall, 39, of Week Street, Maidstone. He has been charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine after being arrested at his home address on May 19. Following a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 20, he has been remanded in custody to attend Maidstone Crown Court on June 17.
Odyssius Ojo, 19, of Camden Road, Gillingham. He has been charged with possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, and acquiring criminal property, after being arrested in Strover Street, Gillingham, on May 21. Following a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on May 22, he has been remanded in custody to attend Maidstone Crown Court on June 21.
Che Montaque, 23, of no fixed address. He has been charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine after being arrested in Folkestone Road, Dover, on May 21. Following a hearing at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on May 22, he has been remanded in custody to attend Canterbury Crown Court on June 21.
The other five detainees have been released under investigation.
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 visiting 34 different addresses which belong to people who are known to be vulnerable to exploitation.
Schools were also visited to educate young people on the dangers posed by gangs.
DI Martin Williams, of the County Lines and Gangs Team, said: "Tackling county line dealers remains an ongoing priority for Kent Police.
"The week has been successful in significantly disrupting the supply of drugs in Kent, with a vast quantity of heroin and crack cocaine that was destined for our streets seized.
"Our work does not stop with one week of action and we will continue to take the most robust action available against those who blight our communities by exploiting vulnerable people and dealing drugs."
Read more: All the latest news from Medway
Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend
