Ramsgate Drug Gang Busted: Flats Used as Cocaine Dens
A ruthless criminal gang in Ramsgate has been locked up after police uncovered cash and a stash of cocaine hidden in empty flats. The gang slyly used two Cavendish Street properties for storing drugs and equipment, with help from a sneaky letting agent who handed over the keys in return for cash.
Letting Agent Caught in Cocaine Conspiracy
Letting agent Natalie Child admitted giving the gang access to the flats. Police found cash left for her in one of the flats’ fridges, revealing she collected £500 over several weeks to keep the operation running.
Police Crack Down on Gang Leaders
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate targeted the gang led by 38-year-old Matthew O’Reilly. Between July 2022 and February 2023, O’Reilly directed associates Carl Fincham and Rocco Inchenko, who handled drug storage and sales.
On February 1, 2023, officers stopped Inchenko on Cavendish Street, finding him with two big bricks of cocaine, smaller packets, and a key fob to the stash flats. A search of the flat uncovered 1.2kg of cocaine worth over £30,000.
Subsequent raids at O’Reilly’s and Fincham’s homes led to their arrests. A police sniffer dog uncovered a firearm hidden under Fincham’s floorboards.
Sentences Delivered at Canterbury Crown Court
- Matthew O’Reilly, Ramsgate – 8 years 3 months for cocaine supply and possession of criminal property (Rolex watches).
- Carl Fincham, Broadstairs – 8 years for firearm possession and cocaine supply.
- Rocco Inchenko, Ramsgate – 5 years 3 months for possession with intent to supply cocaine and criminal property.
- Natalie Child, Margate – 12-month community order and 150 hours unpaid work for facilitating the gang.
“Criminals involved in the supply of class A drugs will do anything to avoid being caught and do not care who they drag down with them. Ignorance is not an excuse, and Natalie Child played a key role in allowing these serious offences to be committed,” said Detective Constable Aaron Chapman.
Chapman added, “O’Reilly tried to hide behind others by orchestrating operations from afar, but anyone involved in Kent’s drug trade will face justice.”
This crackdown sends a clear message: drug gangs in Kent won’t escape law enforcement’s grip.
