Jail sentence for Broadstairs drug dealer found asleep next to cocaine

Hiding £240,000 worth of cocaine beside his bed as he slept has resulted in a jail sentence for a Broadstairs drug dealer.

On the morning of Thursday 12 March 2026, Kent Police carried out a warrant at a property in the town where Rennie Ash was found asleep.

In a chest of drawers next to his bed, three 1kg blocks of cocaine wrapped in silver tape and clingfilm were found, worth an estimated street value of £240,000.
It was seized by officers, along with over £3,500 in cash and a mobile phone.

Charged

The 47 year old, of Westover Gardens, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property (cash).

Ash pleaded guilty to both offences at Canterbury Crown Court where it was heard he was already on licence for previous drug dealing offences. He was sentenced on Thursday 27 August to four years in prison.

Detective Inspector Rob Hemsley said:

‘The value of the drugs held by Rennie Ash was very high. To have £240,000 worth of cocaine flooding a community could have had a real detrimental impact on others. His actions displayed a selfish greed which gave no consideration to little else. ‘Our officers work relentlessly to deter and disrupt drug dealers like Ash, to ensure their criminality is stopped from harming others. Financial investigators will now work to ensure that any money Ash made from drug dealing is confiscated.’