County Lines Crime Slashed by Nearly Half in Two Years
Crime-busting efforts have slashed county lines drug operations in Kent from 82 in 2020 to just 42 today. That’s almost half wiped out in just over two years.
20 Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown
In the latest major swoop, police hauled in 20 suspects last week, slapping 40 charges on them and disrupting 12 separate drug supply chains.
The arrests took place during a nationwide blitz, running from 28 February to 3 March 2023, with forces across the UK joining forces to smash drug networks.
Massive Haul and Weapons Seized
- 555 wraps of cocaine and heroin
- 1,000 benzodiazepine pills
- £20,110 cash
- Eight weapons, including a shotgun hidden under a bed in Ashford
- Multiple phones linked to county lines smashed
Officers executed search warrants and also worked hard to protect vulnerable locals often targeted by gangs using “cuckooing” — squatting in homes to run their illegal operations.
Patrols visited six known hotspots and teamed up with a north Kent school to battle drug risks facing children. The operation also enforced criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) to clamp down on offenders.
Key Arrests and Court Dates
In Eltham, police struck four drug lines feeding Kent, seizing nearly £2,500, 200 wraps of crack cocaine, 69g of uncut crack, and a machete.
Casey Butler, 24, and Jayden Cook, 18, both from London, were arrested and charged with drug offences. Butler denied the charges but was recalled to prison for parole breaches. Cook was released on bail. Both face Maidstone Crown Court on 31 March.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man was arrested in Lee, London, linked to a Canterbury drug line. Officers recovered £10,000 in cash, burner phones, and SIM cards. Keeva Harris was charged and remanded, with a court hearing at Canterbury Crown Court on 3 April.
A man and woman arrested in Canterbury had 200 drug wraps seized, plus £1,000 and phones. Patrick Butler, 29, and Sophie Skelding, 25, face multiple charges and await court on 3 April.
Police Praise Officers and Urge Public to Report Crime
“Since 2020, we have nearly halved the number of county lines in Kent from 82 to 42. This is down to regular intensification weeks targeting drug networks,” said Detective Superintendent Lopa McDermott.
“Recovering 12 line phones recently has seriously hit those trying to flood Kent with Class A drugs. We take drug trafficking seriously and will keep driving home that crime doesn’t pay.”
“Huge thanks to all officers for their hard work in tracking down offenders and bringing them to justice.”
Kent Police urges anyone with info on drug dealing to report it via their website or call 999 if a crime is happening now.
