Thanet Cocaine Dealer Banged Up for Five Years
A drug dealer peddling cocaine in Thanet has been locked up for five years. James O’Brien, 36, was caught in a two-stage police operation that uncovered a stash of drugs and cash.
Two Police Raids Nabbed O’Brien
kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police swooped on O’Brien’s Margate High Street home on 22 February. Although he wasn’t there, officers found a large quantity of cocaine, scales, and around £6,000 in cash.
Months later, on 21 July, police executed a second warrant at a property in Hereson Road, Broadstairs. O’Brien and an accomplice tried to escape via the back door but were quickly caught by a special constable.
Inside the house, officers seized more cash, mobile phones, and tested white powder that confirmed to be cocaine.
Damning Evidence from Drug Users’ Messages
Phones recovered from O’Brien revealed texts proving his active drug dealing. One message showed an unhappy buyer complaining about the poor quality of the cocaine they received.
“Kent Police is determined to shut down drug dealing networks and bring those who profit from the misery of others before the courts,” said Detective Inspector Nigel Douglas of the East Kent CID.
“O’Brien was committed to selling drugs that fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour in the community. I’m glad he’s now off the streets of Thanet.”
O’Brien pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 23 August 2021 and was sentenced the same day.
