£50k Cash, Guns and Heroin Seized in Massive County Lines Drug Raids
Police have smashed county lines gangs in Kent, seizing firearms, £50,000 in cash, and a massive three-kilogram haul of heroin during a huge crackdown. In a blitz across Kent, London, Surrey, and Sussex, 42 people were arrested after 38 properties were raided.
150 Officers Target Drug Rings Across Kent and Beyond
The raids, carried out over two days, targeted hotspots in Medway, Thanet, Folkestone, Ashford, Tonbridge, and Maidstone. With backup from the Metropolitan Police Service and British Transport Police, 150 officers took part in the coordinated operation.
- Six arrests made in Ramsgate after 130 wraps of drugs recovered.
- Further arrests in London areas including Mitcham and Brockley linked to Kent supply chains.
£50k in Cash and Class A Drugs Found in Chatham and Rainham
On March 12, officers uncovered three kilograms of Class A drugs at a property in Goose Close, Chatham, leading to one arrest. Nearby, a rucksack crammed with £50,000 in cash was found in Magpie Hall Road. More cash and cocaine were seized in Solomon Road, Rainham, resulting in another arrest connected to both locations.
Handgun and Ammunition Nabbed in Abbey Wood Flat
In London, a raid in Federation Road, Abbey Wood, uncovered a handgun, live ammo, and large quantities of heroin and amphetamines. One man was arrested. Meanwhile, in Orpington, police detained a woman after finding two imitation firearms in a car linked to an address on Lower Road.
Chief Constable Vows to Crack Down on County Lines
“There are currently around 39 active county line networks in Kent, mostly run from London,” said Chief Constable Alan Pughsley. “By targeting and disrupting these gangs, our officers are making it harder for them to take hold. Those involved bring violence and misery to our communities, but our intelligence is growing fast. These warrants prove it’s only a matter of time before criminals face lengthy jail terms.”
“We are investing heavily in officers dedicated to tackling county lines. Working with partners and other forces, we’re not just after street dealers but also those higher up the chain orchestrating the huge supply of heroin and crack cocaine.”
