Ten Drug Dealers Locked Up in Massive Dartford Bust
Ten drug dealers have been sent down following a huge Kent Police crackdown that smashed a top-level drug conspiracy in Dartford. Officers seized over £440,000 worth of Class A drugs, firearms, ammunition, and thousands in dirty cash.
The sprawling criminal network controlled drug lines across north Kent, trafficking more than 3.5kg of cocaine and heroin. They were tied to multiple organised supply routes, weapons, and huge drug deals.
Sentences for Key Players
At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday 23 May 2025, heavy sentences were handed out to the kingpins:
- Joshua Exall, 28, Greenhithe – 11 years
- Ben King, 60, Thamesmead – 10 years 6 months
- Luke Douglas, 36, Minster-on-Sea – 6 years 10 months
- Joe Stokes, 33, Meopham – 6 years 4 months
- Ella Francis, no fixed address – 2 years 10 months
- Bobby Nash, 34, Plumstead – 2 years 6 months
Three others received suspended sentences:
- Lacey Lynch, 23, Headcorn
- Adam Turrell, 31, Dartford
- Charlie Vine, 22, Higham
The Sting That Took Them Down
The investigation kicked off in September 2023 after Lacey Lynch was caught with cocaine, cannabis, and £3,000 cash in Maidstone. Her partner Joe Stokes was arrested two months later with nearly 100g of cocaine in his car.
Police soon traced an active drug supply line in Dartford, later controlled by Luke Douglas who was nabbed in July 2024. A key raid on Joshua Exall’s home exposed stockpiles of drugs, three handguns, ammo, drug supply phones, and stacks of cash.
DNA later linked Ben King to the firearms. Officers also seized three cocaine blocks, half a block of heroin, and two tasers from him.
Judge and Police Praise the Operation
The judge praised the “high-quality police investigation” that smashed the supply network, leading to convictions for conspiracy to supply drugs, firearms offences, and possession of criminal property.
Detective Constable Steven Brown, lead investigator, said:
“This was a long and complex operation that removed dangerous weapons and a huge stash of drugs from Kent’s streets. These criminals brought misery to communities — now they’re behind bars where they belong.”
