A criminal gang has been sentenced for a total of more than 20-years in jail at Canterbury Crown Court after using vacant flats in Ramsgate to store and distribute cocaine.
The gang, led by a 38-year-old man from Ramsgate, exploited a 33-year-old letting agent to gain access to two properties on Cavendish Street. These properties were used to conceal significant quantities of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
The gang, which involved a 43-year-old man from Broadstairs and a 21-year-old man from Ramsgate, was dismantled following a police investigation. The 38-year-old leader was jailed for eight years and three months for drug supply and possession of criminal property. The 43-year-old was sentenced to eight years for firearm possession and drug supply, while the 21-year-old received a five-year and three-month sentence for drug possession with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.
The letting agent was given a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work for participating in the criminal activities of the gang.
Detective Constable Aaron Chapman warned that those involved in drug trafficking will be caught and punished. He emphasized that ignorance of criminal activity is not an excuse, and those who facilitate such crimes will face consequences.