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A letting agent in Kent has been sentenced for her part in helping a criminal gang run a drugs empire.
The gang rewarded Natalie Child, 33, for allowing them to hide cash and drugs inside empty flats in Ramsgate.
Two properties in Cavendish Street were used to conceal large quantities of cocaine and drug-related equipment, with those responsible leaving cash for the person who granted them access.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate had been carrying out an investigation into a group led by Matthew O’Reilly, who between July 2022 and February 2023 frequently arranged for two other men – Carl Fincham and Rocco Inchenko – to collect, store and sell illegal substances on his behalf.
On 1 February 2023 officers stopped Inchenko walking in Cavendish Street and found him in possession of two large bricks of cocaine along with several other small packets of the class A drug.
He also had a key fob that granted him access to a nearby flat, where the officers found further evidence linking him to organised criminality. A total of 1.2kg of cocaine valued at more than £30,000 was seized.
Following Inchenko’s arrest and whilst police were still inside the property, the letting agent arrived and attempted to gain entry.
Child admitted having given Inchenko the keys to the flat and was also subsequently arrested, with mobile phone evidence used to prove O’Reilly had arranged for money to be left in a fridge for her to collect. She claimed to have been paid a total of £500 across several weeks.
Later that week search warrants were carried out at the homes of O’Reilly and Fincham, who were both arrested for drug supply offences. A police dog also helped officers locate a firearm hidden beneath the floorboards of Fincham’s property.
At sentencing, with took place at Canterbury Crown Court, the letting agent received a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work after admitting to participating in the activities of what police call “an organised crime group.”
The other three offenders were also sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court:
• O’Reilly, 38, of Bakers Field, Ramsgate, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property (Rolex watches), and was jailed for eight years and three months.
• Fincham, 43, of Northwood Road, Broadstairs, admitted possessing a firearm and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
• Inchenko, 21, of Dumpton Park Drive, Ramsgate, was jailed for five years and three months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Aaron Chapman said: “Criminals involved in the supply of class A drugs will do anything to avoid being caught and do not care who they drag down with them.
“The letting agent involved in this case claims that whilst she suspected the flats were being used for criminal purposes, she did not know it was related to the sale of cocaine. However, ignorance is not an excuse and she played a key role in allowing these serious offences to be committed.
“Matthew O’Reilly was clearly the leader of this particular drugs network and was no stranger to arranging for other people to do his own dirty work. He thought that would protect him in the long run when he and others like him should know by now that if you are involved in the sale of illegal substances in Kent then you will be arrested and brought to justice.”
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