Ten drug dealers have been sentenced following a major Kent Police operation that uncovered a high-level drug conspiracy in Dartford, seizing more than £440,000 worth of Class A drugs, firearms, ammunition, and thousands in criminal cash.
The criminal network, operating across north Kent, trafficked over 3.5kg of cocaine and heroin, and was linked to multiple drug lines, weapons and organised supply routes.
Major Sentences Handed Down
At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday 23 May 2025, the following defendants were sentenced:
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Joshua Exall, 28, of Knockhall Road, Greenhithe – 11 years imprisonment
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Ben King, 60, of Rollesby Way, Thamesmead – 10 years and 6 months
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Luke Douglas, 36, of Waverley Avenue, Minster-on-Sea – 6 years and 10 months
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Joe Stokes, 33, of Carters Hill Lane, Meopham – 6 years and 4 months
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Ella Francis, 33, of no fixed address – 2 years and 10 months
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Bobby Nash, 34, of Hevitree Road, Plumstead – 2 years and 6 months
Three others received suspended sentences:
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Lacey Lynch, 23, of Love Lane, Headcorn
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Adam Turrell, 31, of Tennyson Road, Dartford
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Charlie Vine, 22, of Steadman Close, Higham
How the Investigation Unfolded
The operation began in September 2023 when Lacey Lynch was stopped in Maidstone. Officers discovered cocaine, cannabis, and £3,000 in cash in her vehicle and at her home. Her partner, Joe Stokes, was arrested two months later, with nearly 100g of cocaine found in his car.
Police linked both to an active drug supply line operating in the Dartford area. The line was later sold to Luke Douglas, who was arrested in Greenhithe in July 2024.
Further intelligence led police to Joshua Exall, whose home was raided, revealing:
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Large quantities of Class A and B drugs
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Three viable handguns
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Ammunition
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Drug supply phones
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Thousands in cash
DNA evidence later connected Ben King to the firearms, and he was subsequently arrested after officers also seized three cocaine blocks, half a block of heroin, and two taser devices.
Judge Praises ‘High-Quality’ Investigation
The judge presiding over the case commended the “high-quality police investigation”, which dismantled the supply network and led to multiple convictions for conspiracy to supply drugs, firearms offences, and possession of criminal property.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Steven Brown, who led the investigation, said:
“This was a long and complex investigation that has removed dangerous weapons and a significant quantity of drugs from Kent’s streets. These offenders brought misery to communities — now they are behind bars, where they belong.”
