Three Medway Drug Dealers Jailed in County Lines Crackdown
Leesean Francis, Robert Downey, and Mohamud Salah have been locked up for running a crack cocaine and heroin ring across Medway. The trio were caught after a Kent Police raid targeting the ‘Dutch’ and ‘Blacks’ drug networks.
Police Bust Drug Network in Simultaneous Raids
The gang was arrested on 25 January 2022 in dawn raids at Beckenham Road, Beckenham, and Magpie Hall Road, Chatham. Officers from Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team swooped with warrants and uncovered a stash of drugs, mobile phones used for dealing, and large sums of cash.
- Francis, 22, from Bridgetown Close, London, was found with multiple phones linked to drug distribution.
- Downey, 40, caught at his Chatham home alongside Salah.
- Salah, 21, possessed 50 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin and carried bulk marketing messages for the ‘Blacks’ network.
CCTV and Evidence Link Trio to Medway Drug Sales
Surveillance footage confirmed Downey making drug deals near his home and Francis repeatedly visiting the address. Salah acted as a runner, dispersing drugs across the area.
Sentences Reflect Serious Threat to Community
All three pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 16 May. Francis received five years and eight months for drug supply. Downey and Salah were each sentenced to two years and three months. Salah also admitted possession of criminal property.
“This is a justified sentencing for three drug dealers who targeted vulnerable people across Medway,” said Investigating Officer John Carless of Kent Police’s County Lines and Gangs Team.
“Drug dealing destroys lives and tears apart families, causing anti-social behaviour and blighting communities. We will keep fighting to dismantle these criminal networks across Kent and Medway.”
