Drug Dealers Busted on Thanet Way with Kilos of Cocaine and £25,000 Cash
Mercedes Van Pulled Over on Suspicion
James Hammacott and Sam Marshall were stopped by Kent Police on 1 February 2023 while driving a Mercedes van along the A299 Thanet Way near St Nicholas-at-Wade. Officers suspected the vehicle was linked to drug dealing and carried out a search.
Massive Cocaine Haul and Stash of Cash Found
Inside the van, police uncovered two packages of cocaine, each weighing over a kilo, plus a shoebox stuffed with more than £25,000 in cash. Both men were promptly arrested at the scene.
Serious Jail Terms for Drug Supply
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate charged Hammacott and Marshall with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply, along with possession of criminal property.
At Canterbury Crown Court on 20 July, Sam Marshall, 32, from Almodington, West Sussex, was jailed for six years and one month. James Hammacott, 22, of no fixed address, received five years and nine months behind bars.
Kent Police Crack Down on Dealers
Detective Sergeant Jon Saxby said: “Kent Police will not tolerate criminals coming into the county to deal drugs which lead to further crime and anti-social behaviour. The quick stop of this vehicle, the subsequent charges and jail terms now imposed are all part of our ongoing work to bring drug dealers to justice and take class A drugs off the streets of Kent.”
