Bloodstain leads to prison sentence after huge cannabis discovery

A bloodstain discovered amongst a shipment of nearly half a tonne of cannabis led officers to one of the criminals involved.

On Thursday 16 May 2024 Kent Police was notified that packages of the class B drug had been found inside a storage container at a location in Formby Road, Halling.

Upon closer inspection officers found hundreds of vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis weighing a total of 427 kilogrammes and worth between £1.5 million and £2.5m.

DNA match

Forensic examiners also found traces of blood on a cardboard box that was later found to be a DNA match for John Small, 61, of Brunswick Street, Maidstone.

On Tuesday 21 May officers spotted Small filling his Chrysler 300 at a service station in Chatham. He was arrested and after his vehicle was seized it was found to contain a further 1kg package of cannabis and £3,200 cash.

Small later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession with intent to supply cannabis, and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 17 July.

Organised criminal

Investigating officer Detective Constable Aaron Chapman said:

‘John Small was clearly part of an organised criminal network involved in the supply of cannabis on an industrial scale. ‘The blood stain he left at the storage container coupled with the drugs and cash found in his car were such compelling evidence that he was left with little choice but to admit the offences he had committed.’