Suspicious van in New Ash Green was linked to cocaine supply network

Another drugs supply network has been dismantled after a suspicious vehicle was stopped by officers in New Ash Green leading to the discovery of more than 700 grams of cocaine.

Three men have now been jailed following a Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate investigation, which linked one of the offenders to a method of preparing deals in wraps made from lottery tickets.

On 27 April 2023, police stopped a Ford Transit van in the Centre Road area of New Ash Green, following reports of suspicious activity.

Lottery tickets and bucket

The driver, Lee Barnett, was arrested and the vehicle recovered to a police station where a search led to the initial discovery of 33 grams of cocaine.

A commercial property, linked to Barnett in Gravesend, was then searched where at least another half a kilogram of cocaine was seized, along with a mixing bowl and several sets of scales.

Two other arrests were made on the same day. Stephen Austin was detained after he was seen walking away from the van towards a nearby property, where 53 grams of cocaine was located.

A large number of lottery tickets that had been folded and prepared to divide the drugs into separate deals were also found inside.

Scott Wallwork was then stopped in a car in West Kingsdown. A bucket in the vehicle was found to contain cocaine, cannabis and almost £1,000 in cash. 

Barnett, 37, of Tensing Avenue, Gravesend; Austin, 45, of Upper Street South, Longfield and Wallwork, 49, of Otford Road, Sevenoaks were all charged with multiple offences.

Guilty pleas

At Woolwich Crown Court, Barnett pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply. He had also breached a previous suspended sentence and on 8 August 2024 was jailed for five years.

Austin admitted two charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply, for cocaine and cannabis. He was sentenced to two years and three months.

Wallwork also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply, as well as a further charge of being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was jailed for two years and four months.

Detective Inspector Jon Saxby said: ‘Whilst Barnett occupied a leading role in this supply chain, evidence including tick lists, phones and the sheer volume of drugs seized also showed Wallwork and Austin were clearly involved in dealing drugs on a significant scale. 'Between them, 703 grams of cocaine were seized and removed from the streets. The supply of drugs causes untold damage within our communities and we will continue to do everything within our power to bring offenders before the courts. 'Please remember we also need your help, you can be our eyes and ears so always report anything suspicious by calling 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.’