Couple Caught with Stash of Cocaine and Ketamine in Dartford Bust
A Dartford and Bexleyheath duo have been nailed for drug dealing after police uncovered a hefty haul of illegal substances, including cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and amphetamines.
Roberto Rossi and Joanne Branscombe Sentenced
Roberto Rossi, 37, from Hollingbourne Avenue, Bexleyheath, and Joanne Branscombe, 44, of Samson Close, Dartford, were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on July 23. The British Transport Police’s (BTP) County Lines taskforce led the investigation.
Rossi pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (ketamine and cannabis). He also admitted to possession of class A drug cocaine and class B amphetamine. The court handed him 16 months in jail plus a £187 surcharge.
Branscombe pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs (cannabis and ketamine), plus possession of class A (cocaine) and class B (amphetamine) drugs. She received 22 months suspended for two years, along with a £187 fine.
How the Pair Were Caught
On February 24, BTP officers spotted Rossi trying to dodge police at Dartford station. When stopped, he admitted holding cocaine. Officers found an iPhone he denied owning, despite drug-sale texts popping up, and over £1,000 cash.
Police then searched the address Rossi shared with Branscombe, uncovering a large stash of class A and B drugs. This led to Branscombe’s arrest and eventual sentencing.
BTP Warns Drug Dealers: Railway Isn’t Your Safe Bet
“Anyone who uses the rail network to transport illicit drugs or engage in criminality of any kind would do well to remember that we have eyes everywhere,” said investigating officer DC Rob Chaplin.
“Rossi’s blunder gave us the lead we needed. Our specialist officers detected suspicious activity and stopped their dealing operation dead in its tracks. Thanks to the County Lines taskforce, these dangerous drugs are now off the rail network and off the streets.”
Chaplin added, “Our work to stop the drug trade on the railway runs 24/7 and won’t let up.”
The British Transport Police’s County Lines taskforce remains vigilant, constantly monitoring and disrupting illegal drug transport across the rail network to keep communities safe.
