More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Police bodycam footage shows the moment the leader of a cocaine gang was arrested while in his pants.
Officers apprehended John Horn in Ramsgate on March 21 last year after an investigation found he was the head of a group distributing the Class A drug.
He enlisted the services of fellow Ramsgate resident Oliver Eyles who managed the day-to-day running of their organised crime enterprise.
Between them, they distributed cocaine to other street dealers but were arrested last year, with officers seizing large amounts of cash and drugs.
Five members of the gang based in Thanet were sentenced today at Canterbury Crown Court.
Each of the offenders pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine prior to their sentencing.
Horn, 38, of Highfield Road, Ramsgate, was sentenced to six years and six months’ imprisonment.
Eyles, 36, of Lavender Lane, Ramsgate, was jailed for five years and six months.
Joseph Shuttleworth, 35, of Orchard Close, Ramsgate, received a custodial sentence of two years and four months.
Jason Tse, 41, of Beach Road, Westgate, was sentenced to three years and 10 months’ imprisonment.
Christopher Palmer, 34, of Nixon Avenue, Ramsgate, received a two-year suspended prison sentence.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Nicola Emery said: “Organised crime groups are often run like businesses with each member having clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
“John Horn sat at the very top of this particular criminal network and whilst he rarely handled any drugs himself, it was very clear he played a leading role in the supply of cocaine to users across east Kent.
“He thought that by having other criminals do his dirty work for him, it would reduce the risk of him being arrested and sent to prison.
“Unfortunately for Horn and the other members of his group, we knew exactly who they were and what they were up to.
‘This is a significant result in Kent Police’s ongoing fight against the supply of Class A drugs, with those responsible receiving sentences that will see them behind bars for a long time.’
