Conspirators in east Kent drugs supply network jailed for over 16 years

Leading members of an extensive drugs supply network which channelled heroin and crack cocaine into east Kent have been jailed for a combined total of more than 16 years.

Perri Gulliford, Kieran Majmader, Craig Amer and James Larkin all pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs before Canterbury Crown Court.

The conspiracy was estimated to be worth a minimum of around £150,000.

The offenders came to the attention of detectives during a proactive investigation launched by Kent Police in February 2024.

Majmader, 38, was identified through extensive analysis of data from mobile phones seized during police enforcement. He was found to have a significant role in providing direction to local dealers, ensuring they were supplied with drugs to sell on and that the cash from sales was collected.

Ongoing work by investigators also established that Amer, 48, was a key figure in the conspiracy, while it was found that Larkin, 51, was a local dealer with direct access to Majmader.

All three were arrested on 12 September 2024 and were charged the following day.

Scrutiny of their digital devices found a person known only as “P” sat at the top of the network. Further work identified this to be Gulliford, with Majmader and Amer working directly for him.

Gulliford, 35, was arrested at his home address on 5 February 2025. An unsuccessful attempt had been made to destroy his mobile phone, prior to officers entering the property. He was later charged.

After admitting their guilt, the conspirators were sentenced at the same court on Thursday 23 July 2026.

Gulliford, formerly of Mount Road, Dover, was jailed for 7 and a half years; Majmader, formerly of Ashford Road, Canterbury was imprisoned for 5 years and 3 months; Amer, formerly of Devonshire Road, Dover received a 3 and a half year custodial sentence; and Larkin, formerly of Leivers Road, Deal was jailed for 2 years and 8 months.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Karl Shonhard, said: ‘This was a complex investigation and the outcome reflects our relentless commitment to bring to justice criminals orchestrating the supply of class A drugs in Kent.‘Through carefully piecing together the evidence, we were able to identify not only those carrying out street-level dealing, but also the individuals directing and profiting from the operation behind the scenes.‘Drugs misuse brings misery to our communities. Gulliford and his associates may have thought they could evade justice, but we will always strive to prosecute offenders who believe they can hide behind others or distance themselves from the harm they cause.‘These are significant sentences and should serve as a warning to anyone involved in the drugs trade. Our officers and staff are unwavering in their determination to identify offenders, build the strongest possible cases against them and bring them before the courts.’