A criminal gang operating in Ramsgate has been sentenced to prison after concealing cash and large quantities of cocaine in empty flats, with the assistance of a letting agent who provided access in exchange for cash. The gang used two properties in Cavendish Street to store drugs and related equipment, leaving money for the letting agent, Natalie Child, who admitted to granting them access.

The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate’s investigation focused on a group led by 38-year-old Matthew O’Reilly, who coordinated with associates Carl Fincham and Rocco Inchenko between July 2022 and February 2023. O’Reilly frequently arranged for Fincham and Inchenko to handle the storage and sale of illegal substances.

On February 1, 2023, police stopped Inchenko on Cavendish Street, finding him in possession of two large bricks of cocaine, several smaller packets, and a key fob granting access to one of the flats used by the gang. Inside, officers uncovered additional evidence of criminal activity and seized 1.2kg of cocaine, valued at over £30,000.

While police were inside the flat following Inchenko’s arrest, Child, the letting agent, attempted to enter the property. She admitted to providing Inchenko with the keys and was subsequently arrested. Evidence from her mobile phone revealed that O’Reilly had arranged for cash to be left in the flat’s fridge for her to collect. Child confessed to receiving £500 over several weeks for her involvement.

Further search warrants executed later that week at O’Reilly’s and Fincham’s residences led to both men’s arrests. At Fincham’s home, a police dog discovered a firearm concealed beneath the floorboards.

All four individuals appeared for sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court on October 19:

• Matthew O’Reilly, 38, of Bakers Field, Ramsgate, admitted to involvement in cocaine supply and possession of criminal property (Rolex watches). He was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.
• Carl Fincham, 43, of Northwood Road, Broadstairs, pled guilty to firearm possession and involvement in cocaine supply. He received an eight-year sentence.
• Rocco Inchenko, 21, of Dumpton Park Drive, Ramsgate, was sentenced to five years and three months for possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
• Natalie Child, 33, of Naylands, Margate, received a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work for participating in the criminal activities of the group.

Detective Constable Aaron Chapman commented on the case, stating, “Criminals involved in the supply of class A drugs will do anything to avoid being caught and do not care who they drag down with them. Ignorance is not an excuse, and [Child] played a key role in allowing these serious offences to be committed.”

Chapman also emphasized that O’Reilly, as the gang leader, orchestrated operations from a distance, “thinking it would protect him,” but warned that anyone involved in illegal substance distribution in Kent would face arrest and justice.

The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to dismantle organized drug networks in Kent and enforce strict penalties against those involved in the drug trade.