Six Jailed Over Multi-Million Pound Drug Supply Operation

Six people have been jailed after Sussex Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit disrupted a multi-million-pound drug supply network.

The organised crime group is estimated to have distributed more than 1.6 tonnes of drugs across the UK between 2024 and 2025, including cocaine, cannabis, heroin and ketamine.

Police estimate the wholesale value of the drugs at more than £56 million.

The group had links to London, Manchester, Bolton, Ramsgate and locations across Sussex.

Five members were sentenced at Lewes Crown Court in February, including 40-year-old Chay Kastercum from St Leonards, who was jailed for 16 years and six months.

Ricky Allen, 34, from Eastbourne, and Kirsty Holman, 40, from Bexhill, were each jailed for seven years, while Emma Billam, 42, from Battle, received four years and two months.

Lee Baden, 42, from St Leonards, was sentenced to five years and 10 months.

Peter Kastercum, 60, from Ramsgate, was identified later in the investigation and was jailed for 11 years on September 7 after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Police say more than £212,000 in cash, drugs, weapons and other evidence was seized during the investigation.

Sussex Police says the operation has disrupted a significant organised drug supply network operating across the UK.