Drugs Runners Busted: Two Men Jailed for Exploiting Teen in County Lines Drugs Ring
Teen Used as Drug Runner Exposed
Kieran Appiah and Muhammed Khan-Brown’s drug empire started to collapse after officers caught a teenage boy carrying class A drugs in May 2020. The thug’s phone was seized, and police uncovered that both men were exploiting him to run drugs on their behalf.
Police Strike at Multiple Addresses
This evidence prompted raids on addresses linked to the pair. Both were detained and, following a Maidstone Crown Court hearing on 30 November 2021, handed jail terms totaling over five years between them.
How the Case Unfolded
- On 26 May 2020, police spotted a teenage boy dealing drugs in Livingstone Road.
- He was caught with 38 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin ready to be sold.
- Data from the boy’s phone revealed 142 calls instructing him to supply drugs.
- Officers recognised the boy was being exploited and ensured he was safeguarded instead of charged.
- The County Lines and Gangs Team cracked down on Appiah and Khan-Brown by analysing call info and tracking their movements.
Dramatic Arrests and Sentencing
Appiah was arrested at a Gillingham home on 28 July 2020 after trying to flee. The property, owned by a vulnerable adult, was used as a drug base. Meanwhile, Khan-Brown was caught by officers in Streatham the next day, after a failed escape attempt over a fence.
Heroin, crack cocaine, and drug-dealing paraphernalia were seized from their homes. Both men were charged and remanded by Kent Police.
Sentencing Details
- Kieran Appiah, 21, admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and crack, plus two robberies in Gillingham where a bike and coat were stolen. He was jailed for 2½ years.
- Muhammed Khan-Brown, 19, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and crack, possession with intent, and handling criminal property. He received a 3-year sentence.
“These offenders had no qualms exploiting vulnerable people for profit,” said Detective Constable Mark Donovan. “Thankfully, our vigilant officers identified them early and protected those being used. We’ll keep policing the streets and using every power to put criminals behind bars.”
