Officers discovered extremely high value assets at the brothers’ properties
Two brothers from Ashford have been sentenced to a combined 21 years in prison following a drug investigation.
David and Damien Derrick came to the attention of officers in 2021 after intelligence suggested they were behind a significant influx of class A drugs into the region.
Police officers stopped a vehicle in Ashford on November 15, 2021,. The driver was identified as a courier who was due to meet with Damien, so the pair could exchange large quantities of drugs.
A search of the car uncovered three kilograms of high-purity cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment in the boot. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022.
Analysis of his phone and call records showed that this meeting was not a one off, but part of a series of drug exchanges between the two men. Further investigation revealed that David was directing the operation, while Damien acted mainly as a courier.
In February 2022, search warrants were executed at both brothers’ homes in Ashford. At David’s address, officers seized small amounts of cocaine and cannabis, six Rolex watches, a knuckle duster, an imitation firearm and £3,000 in cash.
At Damien’s property, police found 19 bags of cocaine hidden in his car, along with five Rolex watches and £5,000 in cash.
Further warrants were obtained for three safety deposit boxes belonging to David. Inside, officers discovered extremely high value assets, including 26 Rolex watches, and two gold bars.
Both brothers had multiple charges brought against them including conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and possession with intent to supply class A drug. Following a week-long trial, a jury unanimously found them guilty.
They were sentenced on December 12 at Canterbury Crown Court. Damien, 38, of Burton Road, Kennington, received eight years. David, 43 ,of Ball Lane, Kennington, received 13 years.
Detective Constable Aaron Chapman said: “Through painstaking analysis of phone records, ANPR data and intelligence sources, we were able to expose the true scale of the Derrick brothers’ operation.
“The sentences handed down reflect the seriousness of their offending and the damage that can be caused by Class A drugs to a community. This should serve as a clear warning to anyone seeking to profit from this kind of criminality.”
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