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Chatham drug dealer jailed after police found £55,000 cash inside fireplace in Magpie Hall Road home and drugs in Solomon Road, Gillingham

A teenage drug dealer's stash of £55,000 was found hidden behind a fireplace when police raided his home.

Footage of the operation in Chatham, which also found a large amount of cocaine and cannabis, has now been released by police after Samuel Overy was jailed.

Police surprised to find £55,000 as Chatham drug dealer's house raided. Video: Kent Police

The 19-year-old admitted possessing the drugs with intent to supply them and acquiring criminal property.

Body cam video from officers who carried out the warrant at a property in Solomon Road, Gillingham shows the moment Overy was arrested.

A safe containing cocaine and cannabis was found along with a mobile phone which had messages relating to the sale of drugs.

He was arrested at the address after admitting the drugs and phone were his.

Samuel Overy, 19, has been locked up for drug dealing after police found £55,000 stashed in a chimney. Picture: Kent Police
Samuel Overy, 19, has been locked up for drug dealing after police found £55,000 stashed in a chimney. Picture: Kent Police
Police were surprised to find the huge amounts of cash in the bag hidden inside the chimney. Picture: Kent Police
Police were surprised to find the huge amounts of cash in the bag hidden inside the chimney. Picture: Kent Police

A further search was then carried out at his home address in Magpie Hall Road, Chatham.

As they searched the house, the found a rucksack hidden in the chimney with £54,650 inside in 13 bundles. Overy later admitted this was the cash he had made from selling drugs.

Overy was charged with the drugs charges and acquiring criminal property following his arrest on March 12.

Police seize drugs and cash from the home of Samuel Overy in Chatham. Picture: Kent Police
Police seize drugs and cash from the home of Samuel Overy in Chatham. Picture: Kent Police
A haul of cocaine and cannabis were seized during an earlier raid at a property in Solomon Road, Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police
A haul of cocaine and cannabis were seized during an earlier raid at a property in Solomon Road, Gillingham. Picture: Kent Police

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court this week to four years and four months in prison. The drugs, cash and paraphernalia will all be destroyed under an order passed by the judge.

Investigating officer Det Con Terry Hanlon said: "Overy went to great lengths to hide the cash made from the sale of these drugs but sadly for him the cash wasn’t hidden well enough and was found by officers.

"We work hard to identify drug networks and individuals who are supplying drugs in Medway and work to remove them from the streets and I’m pleased Overy has been jailed accordingly."

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