Panicked drug dealer threw £30,000 stash into bushes

Police footage shows officers confronting Aden Maynard moments after he stashed his drugs haul in some brambles near Tunbridge Wells in July.

He had been followed into the woodlands after he was seen carrying a shoulder bag and looking suspiciously outside a nearby address.

A police dog named Charlie found the bag, which contained drugs including cocaine, ketamine and cannabis worth at least £30,000, as well as phones, a knife and £1,400 cash.

A receipt for a TV and an oven purchased from a ship in Orpington was also found within the bags.

When police visited the shop they were shown security footage of Maynard buying the TV and oven.

The 21-year-old later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

He also admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply, possessing a knife in public and possessing criminal property.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and four months’ imprisonment on December 2.

Aden Maynard (Image: Kent Police) PC James Heaver said: “Maynard was seen to return to the woods after we had initially spoke to him and it was clear he was panicked about what we were about to find.

“After almost 30 minutes searching for the bag we believed he had hidden, PD Charlie then quickly led us to its hiding place.

“This was a significant seizure of drugs and Maynard’s phone provided further and irrefutable evidence of his role in an extensive operation supplying to multiple users.”