Collapse of Scarface drugs network leads to seizure of weapons haul

Weapons including samurai swords, nunchucks and a spear were seized from the home of a Tonbridge drug dealer who has now been jailed.

Daniel Bruford had been operating multiple cocaine supply lines across west Kent, known locally as the ‘Scarface’ network. 

Over the course of almost a year, Bruford controlled several phones to facilitate more than 32,000 calls and text messages advertising cocaine.

He used runners to deliver the drugs through a system of texts and postcodes.

Guilty pleas within 24 hours

Bruford was arrested during the early hours of 27 September 2024, when officers executed a search warrant at his property in Mount Pleasant Court, Hildenborough.

They recovered several weapons, which also included knuckle dusters, machetes and an extendable baton.

Cocaine deals and more than £1,100 in cash were also seized.

Within 24 hours of his arrest, Bruford, 27, pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates’ Court to being concerned in the supply of cocaine (between October 2023 and September 2024).

He also admitted possessing criminal property (namely the seized cash), as well as charges of possessing offensive weapons.

Bruford was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 12 February 2025, to five years and six months’ imprisonment.

He will also be the subject of a financial investigation under the Proceeds of Crime Act, to claw back any criminal gains resulting from his offending.

Threats of violence

Leading the case was PC James O’Gorman who said:

‘The evidence against Bruford was damning. Our analysis of his phones led to the retrieval of messages and voice notes discussing prices and quantities of drugs, as well as several threats of serious violence. 'The wide array of weapons seized from his home were also an indication of the lengths he was prepared to go to enforce and protect his criminal operation. ‘Criminals like Bruford think nothing of the despair and misery they bring to our communities. However, as this case demonstrates we are continuing to relentlessly target and disrupt their activities, and we know the work we’re doing is making it much harder for dealers to establish a foothold.’