Ben King, 59, of Rollesby Way, London, has become the sixth individual arrested and charged in a large-scale drug and firearms investigation in north Kent. King was arrested on 17 September and faces multiple charges including possession of offensive weapons, selling prohibited arms, and intent to supply amphetamine and cocaine.
He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody. A hearing at Woolwich Crown Court is scheduled for 14 October.
The investigation intensified after police stopped a suspicious vehicle on Mounts Road, Greenhithe, on 21 July 2024. During the stop, officers found suspected cocaine and a mobile phone. The driver, from the Isle of Sheppey, was arrested, leading to further searches across several properties.
At a property on Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, police discovered cannabis, cocaine, three handguns, ammunition, and 2.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a cupboard. Meanwhile, a search at Chart Hill Road, Maidstone, resulted in the seizure of bags of cannabis, weighing scales, and a significant amount of cash.
Alongside King, five others have been charged in connection with supplying class A drugs and firearms:
- Luke Douglas, 35, Isle of Sheppey – admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis; sentencing pending.
- Joe Stokes, 32, Meopham – admitted conspiracy and possession with intent to supply cannabis; awaiting sentence.
- Joshua Exall, 27, Greenhithe – denies charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine, cannabis, and firearms; trial scheduled.
- Ella Francis, 32, Gravesend – denies conspiracy to supply cocaine and driving offences; trial set for January 2025.
- Lacey Lynch, 23, London – charged with conspiracy to supply drugs; bailed until September court date.
Additionally, a 30-year-old man from Dartford was arrested on suspicion of drug supply and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Authorities continue to investigate drug and firearm offences in the region as new information emerges. The probe remains ongoing.
Originally published by UKNIP.
