Drug Dealer Caught in High-Speed Chase After County Lines Sting
In 2020, Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team uncovered a phone, dubbed the “AJ line,” used to peddle Class A drugs across the town. Their investigation zeroed in on Armani Hemley, who was caught using multiple cars to deliver the deadly goods.
Police Chase Ends with Suspicious Ford Focus Abandoned
On 27 April, an unmarked police car spotted a man driving a Ford Focus suspiciously near West Park Road. When officers approached and asked him to roll down his window, the driver sped off, crashing into an officer’s arm.
The car was then seen driving recklessly around Headcorn and Harrietsham before disappearing. Later, it was found abandoned in Rye, East Sussex. Hemley had hired the car in London and claimed it was stolen— but police proved he was the driver during the chase.
Hemley Caught Red-Handed with Heroin and Crack Cocaine
Two months later on 30 June, cops raided a Bermondsey address. Hemley tried to flee, tossing a package over a wall. Upon arrest, the package revealed 82 heroin wraps and 161 crack cocaine deals. Additionally, £180 in cash and the incriminating “AJ line” phone were seized.
A home search uncovered more heroin and crack cocaine— plus 11.5 grams of crack and a kilo of cutting agent. The street value of drugs seized, plus estimated dealt stock over three months, hit a whopping £18,000.
Dealer Sentenced to Nearly Six Years with Driving Ban
Hemley, 28, from Bexleyheath, later admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine, possession with intent, and dangerous driving at Woolwich Crown Court. On 25 June 2021, he was jailed for five years and ten months and banned from driving for five years.
“There is no doubt that Hemley played a significant role in a county line drug supply network over a three month period,” said Detective Constable Andy Julier. “Despite his efforts to remain anonymous and avoid arrest, we tracked him down. Anyone looking to bring Class A drugs into Kent should be warned: we’ll track you down and bring you to justice.”
