Marden drug dealer jailed after being caught throwing away supply

A Marden drug dealer who tried to discard his cocaine supply moments before being arrested has been jailed.

An investigation was launched after Kent Police received reports of suspicious activity at an address in The Cockpit, where multiple people were seen entering the communal garden and leaving with packages.

Officers carried out initial enquiries and identified it was Dean Smith who lived there. They monitored ongoing activity at the property until a search warrant was executed on 1 May 2026.

As patrols attended, Smith was seen by a PCSO to exit a vehicle and discard a package under a parked car shortly before he was arrested. It was recovered and found to contain a quantity of cocaine.

The 51 year old, of The Cockpit in Marden, was later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 4 August to 3 years' imprisonment.

PC John Cockrill, the investigating officer, said:
‘This was a dedicated investigation which allowed officers to secure enough evidence to ensure Smith had no choice but to plead guilty to the offence. Even as officers went to arrest Smith, he was caught red-handed trying to discard his drugs further strengthening the case we had against him.
'Drug dealing has such a detrimental impact on a community, and we'd like to thank the local people who assisted us to bring this criminal to justice. I would encourage anyone who spots suspicious activity to report it to us online or via their neighbourhood officer. Your information could be vital and assist us to remove an ongoing problem.’