Three Men Arrested in Major Drug Bust Across Kent
Three men have been charged following a crackdown on the commercial supply of cocaine and cannabis in Kent.
Raids Hit Gravesend, Kings Hill and West Kingsdown
On the morning of Wednesday, July 6, 2022, detectives from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit executed search warrants at addresses in Gravesend, Kings Hill, and West Kingsdown.
The operation uncovered a haul of around £10,000 in cash and a significant quantity of cocaine. At a Kings Hill property on Knatts Valley Road, officers discovered a large cannabis factory.
Links to International Drug Network Exposed
This investigation ties back to the 2020 international bust of the illegal EncroChat phone platform. It also connects to a February seizure of 13kg of cannabis found in a stolen vehicle in Snodland.
Three Charged and Remanded
- Roland Duffield, 53, of Heron Hill Lane, Gravesend – charged with Class A drug supply and possession of criminal property.
- Timothy Gearing, 60, of Alexander Grove, Kings Hill – charged with Class A drug supply, possession of criminal property, and cannabis production offences.
- Lloyd Elwin, 31, of Gassons Road, Snodland – charged with cannabis production.
Duffield and Gearing were remanded in custody and are set to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 7. Elwin was granted bail and will appear on Friday, August 5.
