Kent Police Strike Hard on County Lines Drug Dealers
Kent Police cracked down hard in October 2020, slapping 26 charges related to heroin and crack cocaine distribution. The County Line and Gang Team targeted hotspots like Thanet, Maidstone, Medway, and Sheerness, refusing to give dealers any breathing room.
Raids, Arrests and Seizures Ramp Up Pressure
- Nine search warrants executed across Kent.
- 24 stop and search checks carried out by plain-clothed and uniformed officers.
- On 22 October, Elias Balogun, 23, nabbed in Chatham after officers suspected drugs hidden inside his body. Charged with two counts of supplying class A drugs and obstructing police, he’s currently behind bars awaiting trial.
- Earlier, Londoner Teniola Olanipekun, 27, arrested in Folkestone after heroin, crack cocaine, phones and cash were seized. He faces multiple supply charges and remains in custody ahead of his November court date.
New Task Force and Tough Sentences Show Zero Tolerance
October saw the launch of the Maidstone Task Force—a multi-agency squad set to tackle knife crime and drug dealing head-on. Prison sentences linked to county lines in Kent topped 12 years last month alone.
Leandro Da Silva got two years and four months after trying to ditch evidence by tossing a burner phone into the River Medway. Even without the phone, police traced his messages selling class A drugs.
Meanwhile, Joseph Odoi, 19, known as ‘Ghost’ from east London, was sentenced to almost four years after cops seized £8,000 worth of designer gear and £2,000 cash from his Dover operation.
Police Vow No Let-Up in Fight Against Drug Crime
“The supply and misuse of drugs devastate communities. The anti-social behaviour and fear caused by dealers and users isn’t acceptable. That’s why we won’t back down on dismantling these destructive county lines,” said Detective Superintendent Mike Worrall.
“Public support is crucial. Together, we’re sending a clear message—Kent does not tolerate drug crime.”
