Six men have been charged over their involvement in a suspected cocaine smuggling ring following police raids in Bexleyheath and Kent.

Kent Police detectives have been investigating the importation and onward supply of cocaine suspected to have a street value of several million pounds.

On Wednesday 6 October 2021, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate carried out search warrants at several addresses in Kent and arrested six people.

In connection with the investigation the following people were later charged:

• James Hazel, of Bluebell Walk, Tunbridge Wells and Seaman Anderson, of Thirlmere Road, Bexleyheath were both charged with conspiracy to import cocaine, conspiracy to supply cocaine and acquiring criminal property.

News Shopper:

• Grant Culwick, of Cheyne Walk, Meopham and Lee Osborne, of Morewood Close, Sevenoaks were charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and acquiring criminal property.

• John Thorpe, of Aisher Road, Greater London, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and converting and transferring criminal property.

• Sally-Ann Bowers, aged 39, of Thirlmere Road, Bexleyheath, was charged with converting and transferring criminal property.

Mr Hazel and Mr Anderson, both aged 43, Mr Osborne, aged 40, Mr Culwick, aged 38 and Mr Thorpe, aged 39, all appeared before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday 7 October where they were remanded to appear before Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday 4 November.

Ms Bowers was bailed upon charge and is due to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 November.