A sixth individual has been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug and firearm offences in north Kent.
Ben King, 59, of Rollesby Way, London, was arrested on 17 September and has since been charged with multiple offences, including possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, selling or transferring a prohibited weapon or ammunition, and possession with intent to supply amphetamine. He was also charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property. King appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 18 September and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on 14 October.
The charges are part of a broader investigation that began on 21 July 2024 when patrolling officers stopped a vehicle on Mounts Road, Greenhithe, for driving without a front number plate or insurance. A search of the vehicle uncovered a bag of white powder, suspected to be cocaine and a mobile phone. The driver, a man from the Isle of Sheppey, was arrested.
Subsequent searches of properties linked to the investigation yielded further discoveries. At a property on Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, officers found drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, along with two mobile phones. A storage cupboard in the property held 2.5kg of cocaine, cannabis, three handguns, and ammunition. A separate search of a property in Chart Hill Road, Maidstone, uncovered bags of cannabis, weighing scales, and a significant amount of cash.
Further Charges and Court Appearances
In addition to Ben King, several other individuals have been charged as part of the investigation:
- Luke Douglas, 35, from the Isle of Sheppey, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He admitted the charges at Woolwich Crown Court on 20 August and awaits sentencing.
- Joe Stokes, 32, from Carters Hill Lane, Meopham, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as possession with intent to supply cannabis. He also admitted the charges and awaits sentencing.
- Joshua Exall, 27, from Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. He denied the charges and is due to stand trial.
- Ella Francis, 32, from High Street, Gravesend, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. She denied the charges and awaits trial, which is set for 20 January 2025.
- Lacey Lynch, 23, from Colwell Road, London, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. She was bailed to appear at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on 20 September 2024.
A 30-year-old man from Dartford was also arrested on suspicion of drug supply and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to pursue leads related to drug and firearm offences in the area.
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