An organised crime group responsible for the distribution of cocaine across Kent has been successfully dismantled, with five members of the network sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday, 30 January 2025.
The group, led by John Horn, 38, from Ramsgate, was involved in the supply of class A drugs in the Thanet area. Horn enlisted the help of fellow Ramsgate resident Oliver Eyles, 36, to oversee the day-to-day operations of their criminal enterprise, which included distributing cocaine to street dealers.
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The gang’s criminal activities did not go unnoticed, and Kent Police launched an investigation that led to a series of arrests on 21 March 2024. During the arrests, officers seized large quantities of cash and drugs, leading to the conviction of the group.
Each of the offenders pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine prior to their sentencing:
- John Horn received a sentence of six years and six months’ imprisonment.
- Oliver Eyles was sentenced to five years and six months in prison.
- Joseph Shuttleworth, 35, of Orchard Close, Ramsgate, was sentenced to two years and four months.
- Jason Tse, 41, of Beach Road, Westgate, received a sentence of three years and 10 months.
- Christopher Palmer, 34, of Nixon Avenue, Ramsgate, was given a two-year suspended prison sentence.
Detective Constable Nicola Emery, who led the investigation, commented: “Organised crime groups are often run like businesses, with each member having clearly defined roles and responsibilities. John Horn played a leading role in the supply of cocaine across east Kent, but he thought by distancing himself from the physical handling of the drugs, he could avoid getting caught. Unfortunately for him and his associates, we knew exactly who they were and what they were up to.”
She added: “This is a significant result in Kent Police’s ongoing efforts to combat the supply of class A drugs. The sentences handed down will see these individuals behind bars for a long time, making our communities safer.”
The dismantling of this cocaine network marks a major victory for Kent Police in the fight against organised crime and drug supply in the region.
