Three men have been jailed for a combined total of nearly ten years after police stopped a “suspicious” van leading to the discovery of a huge drugs haul.

The Ford Transit was stopped in New Ash Green, near Gravesend, back in April.

When officers took it to a police station to carry out a search they found 33 grams of cocaine.

They then searched a commercial property in Gravesend that was linked to the van’s driver, Lee Barnett, where they discovered another half a kilogram of the drug along with a mixing bowl and set of scales.

Two more men were arrested the same day.

Stephen Austin was detained after he was seen walking away from the van towards a nearby property, where 53 grams of cocaine was located.

A large number of lottery tickets that had been folded and prepared to divide the drugs into separate deals.

Scott Wallwork was stopped in a car in West Kingsdown. A bucket in the vehicle was found to contain cocaine, cannabis and almost £1,000 in cash.

All three men have now been jailed.

Barnett, 37, of Tensing Avenue, Gravesend; Austin, 45, of Upper Street South, Longfield, and Wallwork, 49, of Otford Road, Sevenoaks, were all charged with multiple offences.

At Woolwich Crown Court, Barnett pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. He had also breached a previous suspended sentence and was jailed for five years.

Austin admitted two charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply, for cocaine and cannabis. He was sentenced to two years and three months.

Wallwork pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply, as well as a further charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was jailed for two years and four months.

You can be our eyes and ears

DI Jon Saxby said: “While Barnett occupied a leading role in this supply chain, evidence including tick lists, phones and the sheer volume of drugs seized also showed Wallwork and Austin were clearly involved in dealing drugs on a significant scale.

“Between them, 703 grams of cocaine were seized and removed from the streets.

“The supply of drugs causes untold damage within our communities and we will continue to do everything within our power to bring offenders before the courts.”

“Please remember we also need your help, you can be our eyes and ears so always report anything suspicious by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”

You can also pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.