Crackdown on County Lines: Seven Weapons Seized and 57 Charges Made in Kent
Kent police have smashed 10 county lines gangs in a fierce week-long operation from 7-11 March 2022. The blitz saw seven weapons confiscated and 57 charges authorised, striking hard at drug traffickers exploiting children and vulnerable adults.
What Are County Lines?
County lines gangs use dedicated phone lines to push class A drugs across counties. They exploit youths and vulnerable people to transport and stash their drugs and cash, using violence and intimidation to stay in control.
Key Arrests and Seizures
- Romford, Essex: £34,000 worth of class A drugs and £10,000 cash seized. Michael Mamattah, 24, arrested for drug supply.
- Gillingham: Crack cocaine and heroin worth £3,000, £1,200 cash, and phone recovered. Devonttee Williams (20) and Charlotte Gregory (31) charged with drug supply offences.
- Belvedere, London: Harrison Ahmet, 22, busted with £4,000 worth of drugs linked to Ashford’s county line.
- Folkestone: Harry Jones, 27, caught with 100 wraps of class A drugs and £1,200 cash.
- Margate: Two men arrested during a welfare check, £3,000 cash and three knives seized, though later released pending inquiries.
- Dartford: Deividas Sakalauskas, 21, charged after £2,000 worth of cocaine found in a Stone warrant.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Beyond arrests, police stepped up safeguarding. Officers worked with housing providers, schools, and social services. They targeted vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and offered education and employment solutions for victims.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Talboys said: “Class A drugs like cocaine and heroin tear lives apart and fuel violence. We won’t tolerate it in Kent.”
“This operation is part of our relentless fight against those who exploit the vulnerable for profit. We want to send a strong message: drug dealers are not welcome here.”
“If you’re a young person being forced into trafficking drugs, it’s not too late to turn your life around. We’re here to help provide a safer path.”
“Kent remains a no-go zone for those pushing class A drugs.”
