Half a Million in Cash and Drugs Seized in Massive County Lines Crackdown
The County Lines and Gangs Team struck a major blow against drug dealers with a huge cash haul during a series of raids across London and Kent in July.
Cash Stash Found in Hackney Warrant
On Wednesday, 28 July 2021, officers executed one of nine warrants at a property in Hackney linked to county line drug dealers operating in north Kent. Although the property was empty, a suitcase stuffed with what is believed to be up to £500,000 in cash was discovered. The exact amount is yet to be confirmed.
This was just part of a wider operation. Throughout July, the team carried out 18 raids, resulting in 36 arrests and securing prison sentences totalling 44 years.
Violent Street Fight Leads to Multiple Charges
- Oluwaseyi Oyeyemi, 26, from Erith, was arrested after a brawl on Lowfield Street on 17 July. He faces multiple charges including possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply, assaulting an emergency worker, and carrying a knife.
- Hinzague Hanson, 21, of Gravesend, was charged with wounding with intent linked to the same incident.
- Two other men, aged 26 and 39, remain on bail over suspicion of involvement in class A drug supply.
Dramatic Flat Raid as Suspect Climbs Out Window
On 28 July, a dramatic arrest unfolded in Dartford. As officers entered a flat on Orchard Street, a man jumped from the second-floor window, clutching the ledge. Officers pulled him to safety before arresting him and another resident.
- Tevin Mendez, 28, faces charges of supplying and possessing class A drugs, plus possession of criminal property.
- Keiron Wheatley, 29, was charged with possession of class A drugs and criminal property.
Both appeared at Medway Magistrates Court and will next face Woolwich Crown Court in August.
Gillingham Dealer Jailed After Undercover Sting
Plain-clothed officers caught 19-year-old Odyssius Ojo selling class A drugs on Camden Road, Gillingham, in May. He admitted intent to supply and possession of criminal property (£230 in cash) and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on 21 July.
Police Warn Dealers: The Heat Is On
“The cash seizures made will cause significant disruption to the drug supply network. This is money the dealers need to rent properties to run their illegal operations,” said Detective Superintendent Shaun White.
“Though July’s success is encouraging, we will not rest on our laurels and will be hot on the heels of the next dealers ready to fill the shoes of those we have removed from the streets.”
