Thousands of pounds confiscated from Ashford drug dealers

Two drug dealers have been ordered to give up the thousands of pounds they made from illegal activity.

An investigation into their assets using legislation under the Proceeds of Crime Act by Kent Police established that Bishal Gurung and Darshan Rai retained assets totalling £139,000 after they were jailed for a combined seven years and nine months for intending to supply Class A and B drugs.

Arrests

On 18 November 2025, plain-clothed officers were carrying out proactive work in Ashford which identified an address suspected to be linked to drug dealing. Rai was stopped by patrols after he was seen leaving the building in Godfrey Walk.

Officers later forced entry into the building and found Gurung hiding in a shower in his flat, having attempted to dispose of drugs by throwing them from a bathroom window. Phone evidence later linked Rai to both the address and Gurung through messages relating to drug supply.

Searches uncovered more than 200 wraps of Class A drugs, more than 200 wraps of Class B drugs, around £6,000 in cash stored in a safe and a shopping bag containing uncut heroin.

The men, both Nepalese nationals, were charged with possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, as well as possession of criminal property.

Rai pleaded guilty at his first court appearance. Gurung denied the charges but was convicted by a jury following a three-day trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

On 15 May 2026, Rai, of Godfrey Walk, Ashford, was sentenced to three years and nine months' imprisonment, while Gurung, of Godfrey Walk, Ashford, received four years and six months.

Financial investigation

Financial investigators used powers contained within the Proceeds of Crime Act, which enables police to claw back money and assets which offenders have gained from their criminal activities. The legislation can be used again if the offender comes into further assets.

On 22 October 2026, a hearing was held at Canterbury Crown Court and the judge ordered Gurung and Rai to pay a total of £139,264.94 between them. They must pay an initial £9,113.91 within 28 days or face an additional mandatory sentence. 

Detective Inspector David Godfrey said:

‘The Proceeds of Crime Act is a vital tool in ensuring that offenders such as Rai and Gurung do not profit from their criminality. It is only right that the substantial profit they gained through drug dealing is confiscated from them.

‘A portion of the money recovered under the act will be reinvested into our communities, helping to fund important public services.'