Three men from Dartford, Bexleyheath, and Belvedere have been charged following a dramatic police operation targeting county lines drug networks, during which officers discovered a firearm hidden inside a pizza box.
The firearm was uncovered during a wider crackdown that also led to the seizure of Class A drugs, two knives, and the arrest of eight individuals, police revealed yesterday (March 13).
The operation, led by the British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce in collaboration with Kent Police, involved high-visibility patrols at railway stations across the region.
Suspicious Behaviour Leads to Major Discovery
Officers were stationed near one of the targeted areas when they noticed a teenager acting suspiciously near a station. After a brief chase, the individual was detained, and a search revealed cannabis and cash in his possession.
But the most shocking discovery came when officers searched his bedroom, where they uncovered a firearm concealed inside a pizza box, along with quantities of cocaine.
The teenager has since been charged with possession of a firearm, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
Further Charges Follow
Three additional suspects were also charged as part of the operation:
- Edward Kpakra, 24, of Lower Road, Belvedere, and Matthew Simon, 28, of Knights Manor Way, Dartford, were both charged with possession of a bladed article.
- Kelly Aghedo, 18, of Latham Road, Bexleyheath, was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
All eight arrested individuals remain under investigation as police continue their enquiries into the wider network.
Police Praise Operation’s Success
Detective Inspector Ian Henderson of the British Transport Police praised the effectiveness of the operation:
“This was yet another success story for the public who use the railway and the communities they live in, with dangerous weapons taken off the streets as well as a substantial haul of drugs.”
“The expertise of our County Lines Taskforce, working in partnership with local police forces, ensures that our resources are targeted at areas where individuals peddle drugs and weapons on the rail network.”
He added that although this was a high-visibility deployment, similar operations are ongoing around the clock:
“You don’t have to see us to know that we’re there.”
Ongoing Efforts to Tackle County Lines
County lines gangs often exploit young and vulnerable people to transport drugs between urban hubs and rural areas, frequently using rail networks to move narcotics and cash. The latest arrests form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle such criminal networks and remove weapons and drugs from the streets.
Would you like a follow-up piece on how county lines operations impact local communities or a visual infographic of the recent seizures?
