Thirteen men have been arrested following a large-scale police operation targeting organised crime across the South East. The raid resulted in the seizure of a £100,000 sports car, approximately £40,000 in cash, and hundreds of cannabis plants.
The police swoop took place on the morning of Wednesday 12 August 2020, with raids conducted at addresses in Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Swale, as well as locations in Bristol, Essex, Hertfordshire, and London.
A significant cannabis factory was discovered in Watton-at-Stone, Hertfordshire, where roughly 500 plants were found. Additionally, two smaller cannabis grows with a combined total of around 450 plants were uncovered in Ashford.
Notable arrests and seizures include:
- A 24-year-old arrested in Week Street, Maidstone, found with £2,500 in cash.
- A 34-year-old detained at Victoria Crescent, Ashford, where cannabis crops were located.
- Another 34-year-old arrested in Lucilla Avenue, Ashford.
- A 40-year-old apprehended on Essetford Road, Ashford, linked to further cannabis plants.
- An 18-year-old arrested at a hotel in Folkestone.
- A 31-year-old detained in Maple Street, Sheerness.
- Three men in their 20s and 30s arrested at the Watton-at-Stone address.
- A 49-year-old man from London Colney, Hertfordshire, arrested.
- Two men caught on Canvey Island, Essex, plus a third individual who handed himself in.
- A 26-year-old arrested in Romford, east London, where police seized £12,000 in cash and an Audi R8 sports car believed to have been purchased with criminal proceeds.
The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate led the investigation, supported by officers from the Metropolitan Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Detective Inspector Kris Eberlein stated, “Disrupting organised crime is a top priority for Kent Police. This bust targets not just drug dealers but the wider violent crime connected to the millions earned through cannabis sales.”
He added, “The filthy cash from these illegal operations often fuels serious crimes like human trafficking and the trade in heroin and crack cocaine.”
“Kent Police are sending a strong message: we won’t tolerate the sale of illegal drugs.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
