Detectives investigating the supply of drugs in north and west Kent have dismantled an organised crime group, with the majority of those involved now behind bars.

The ‘Blue Eyes’ gang, established by Jamie Bennett in 2019, operated a large-scale drug network supplying cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and other illicit substances across the county. Bennett employed multiple dealers and provided them with stolen cars displaying false number plates to assist with deliveries.

In 2020, investigators identified phone numbers used by Bennett’s dealers. Over the following two years, several were tracked down and arrested in possession of drugs while travelling in Kent and south London.

Bennett himself was detained on three occasions, and a search of the address he shared with his partner, Sinead Taylor, led to the seizure of nearly 5,000 MDMA tablets, around 2,000 class C tablets, £5,600 in cash, cocaine, and ketamine. Officers also seized two stolen vehicles. With assistance from the Metropolitan Police, detectives arrested the remaining gang members, many of whom were caught in stolen cars with drug supplies.

Among those detained were:

• Jeffrey Reeves and Levi Taylor in Orpington
• Joe Raven in Gravesend and Dartford
• Shakai Wilson in Bromley
• Jamie Turner in Wainscott

Examination of seized phones revealed further involvement from Sinead Taylor and Maisey Barrett, both of whom were arrested.

Sentencing

All eight members faced multiple charges of conspiracy to supply drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, ketamine, and class C substances. Bennett was also charged with handling stolen property. While Barrett, Levi Taylor, and Wilson pleaded not guilty, they were convicted following a trial at Croydon Crown Court. Sinead Taylor pleaded guilty to money laundering and participating in an organised crime group, with her other charges remaining on file. The others admitted to their indictments.

Over two days, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February 2025, the offenders received the following sentences:

• Jamie Bennett, 36, of Mosyer Drive, Orpington – 8 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
• Jamie Turner, 27, of Beddington Road, Orpington – 3 years and 8 months’ imprisonment (including a sentence for breach of a suspended term)
• Levi Taylor, 29, of The Street, Adisham, Canterbury – 3 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
• Shakai Wilson, 21, of Gillmans Road, Orpington – 3 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
• Joe Raven, 23, of Estuary Road, Sheerness – 2 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
• Maisey Barrett, 28, of Bryant Street, Chatham – 5 years’ imprisonment (including a sentence for an unrelated charge of wounding with intent)
• Jeffrey Reeves, 43, of Ryarsh Crescent, Orpington – suspended sentence
• Sinead Taylor, 31, of no fixed address – suspended sentence

Police Statement

Detective Constable John Carless said:

“This organised crime gang, headed by Bennett, had a network of people supplying significant quantities of drugs to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. They operated covertly, using stolen cars with false plates, and believed their crimes would go undetected.”

“However, their misplaced arrogance was their downfall. Once we identified a small part of their operation, we followed every lead to uncover the key players. It was only a matter of time before we tracked them all down and brought them to justice.”

Kent Police continues to urge residents to report any suspected drug-related activity and remains committed to tackling organised crime.