Nine people have been arrested in connection with the seizure of more than three kilograms of cocaine near Aylesford.
Officers also recovered at least £80,000 in cash, as well as weapons including a firearm, knuckle duster and Taser device. The arrests were made during coordinated enforcement in Burham, which started on Tuesday 16 January 2024, and included searches of a Vauxhall Astra, a Jaguar and eight properties.
An investigation is being led by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and three of the suspects have now been charged.
- Kastriot Dani, 41, of Cheltenham Close, Rushden, Northamptonshire was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and with possessing criminal property (namely cash seized).
- Andrew Hemphill, 25, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of cannabis.
- Shellbie Johnson, 25, of Upper Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells was charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
All three appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 18 January and were remanded in custody. Their next hearing will be at Maidstone Crown Court on 15 February.
The other six suspects were bailed, pending further enquiries
