MCV Community Update - Significant Drug Supply Disruption in Swanley

MCV Community Update - Significant Drug Supply Disruption in Swanley

Dear, Resident

Proactive Policing Leads to Major Arrest and Seizure

Friday 2nd October 2026 - Officers from Swanley, working closely with Sevenoaks District CCTV operators, have successfully disrupted a significant suspected drug supply operation following proactive patrol activity in the town centre.

CCTV operators observed two well-known local individuals, both known to the local officer for drug-related activity, in Swanley town centre exhibiting behaviour consistent with persons awaiting the arrival of a drug dealer. Working together, officers from NPT, LPT 3 section and CCTV operators-maintained observations and witnessed one of the individuals approach a white Citroën Berlingo van, where an apparent hand-to-hand drug deal took place at the rear of the van. 

The vehicle was monitored as it left Swanley, going towards the M25, with details immediately passed over to local patrols. Officers from LPT 3 section subsequently located and stopped the van on the A2 as it travelled away from the area.

Images attached show the back of the van and the concealed compartment, then a selection of the quantity drugs found within the vehicle. 

Sophisticated Concealment Discovered

The driver and vehicle were searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. During a thorough search, officers discovered a sophisticated hidden compartment concealed within the ceiling of the van.

The compartment had been professionally installed and secured using magnetic locking devices. Further enquiries established that the magnetic locks could be released remotely via an application on the driver's mobile phone, allowing access to the concealed storage area.

Significant Quantities of Drugs and Weapons Seized

Officers recovered a substantial amount of suspected controlled drugs, including:

Herbal cannabis

Cannabis resin

Cocaine

Ecstasy/MDMA tablets

Steroids

Counterfeit cigarettes

This seizure represents a significant quantity of drugs that would otherwise have been distributed across Swanley and the surrounding areas.

In addition to the drugs, officers also recovered:

Two bladed articles - large knifes

One knuckle duster

All weapons were seized, photographed for evidential purposes, and removed from circulation for disposal.

Further Enforcement Action

Following the arrest, officers utilised Section 18 PACE search powers at the suspect's home address, where further evidence relevant to the investigation was located and seized. Investigating officers have also taken action to secure and freeze financial assets whilst enquiries continue into suspected criminal finances and proceeds of crime.

Court Outcome

The driver was arrested, charged and remanded to court for offences including:

Being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs

Possession of a bladed article (x2)

Possession of an offensive weapon

Possessing criminal property

Working Together to Keep Swanley Safe

This operation highlights the effectiveness of partnership working between frontline officers and CCTV operators. The swift identification of suspicious activity, coordinated response and proactive investigation has removed a significant quantity of drugs and weapons from the streets and safeguarded residents across Swanley and neighbouring communities. Every piece of information provided by members of the public assists Kent Police in disrupting organised criminality and protecting local communities.

If you have information regarding drug dealing, anti-social behaviour, or other criminal activity within Swanley, please report it to Kent Police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Together, we continue to make Swanley a safer place to live, work and visit. 🚔