A 'Giant' mistake: Four sentenced for county lines drugs operation

A county drugs line known as "Giant", which supplied crack cocaine and heroin across Eastern Surrey, West Sussex, Kent and South London, has been dismantled after all four defendants involved in its operation were sentenced.

The investigation began in May 2025 when officers uncovered messages relating to the operation during an unrelated drugs enquiry. What initially appeared to be a handful of messages soon revealed something far larger – a county drugs line operating across multiple force areas.

Officers from Centurion, the dedicated Surrey and Sussex Police team tackling county lines drug activity, joined forces with Surrey Police's Eastern Proactive Investigation Team to identify those behind the line and build a detailed picture of how it operated.

Analysis of mobile phone data quickly became central to the investigation. A drugs expert examining the phone line identified bulk marketing messages being sent to users advertising the availability of Class A drugs. Messages including "LIVE DELIVERY GIANT" and "GIANT FAT SIZES DELIVERIES" provided investigators with early evidence of the line's activity and reach.

As officers worked backwards from the phone data, they identified Kenan Mitchell, 28 (DOB: 27/10/1997) from Kent, as a key figure within the network. Investigators established that he was linked to four separate mobile phone numbers, while analysis of his personal device revealed videos depicting large quantities of cash, expensive watches and aspects of a lavish lifestyle.

The investigation then uncovered significant links between Mitchell and Bridget Doherty, 24 (DOB:21/05/2002) from Essex. Analysis of phone data revealed Mitchell and Doherty played closely linked roles in the operation of the Giant line.

As officers continued to unravel the network, two more individuals were linked to the operation.

Jaipaul Johnson, 20 (DOB: 16/11/2005) and Amish Patel, 43 (DOB: 29/07/1982) both from Crawley, were identified after purchasing phone top-ups for the drugs line. Messages showed users arranging drug deals through the line, with locations then being relayed directly to Johnson, providing further evidence of his role in the operation. Meanwhile, further data revealed Patel accompanying Johnson on journeys to London to meet with Mitchell.

As the investigation gathered pace, officers steadily cut the Giant line down to size, identifying those responsible and building the evidence needed to secure warrants.

When Johnson was arrested, he was found in possession of 147 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, £370 in cash and several mobile phones.

Searches carried out at Doherty's address, where both Doherty and Mitchell were arrested, uncovered 18.2g of cocaine and the main Giant line phone. Further searches of addresses linked to Mitchell uncovered between £20,000 and £30,000 in cash, 88.8g of cocaine and multiple mobile phones. Officers also recovered scales, snap bags and handwritten telephone numbers consistent with drug supply activity.

A search of Patel's address resulted in officers recovering his mobile phone, scales, a quantity of cocaine, a crossbow and a knuckle duster.

Investigating officer PC Geordie Logan said: "This was an extremely complex investigation involving months of detailed phone analysis, intelligence development and proactive policing activity.

"The defendants played significant roles in a county drugs line responsible for supplying crack cocaine and heroin across multiple counties. The harm caused by Class A drugs extends far beyond those selling and using them; it impacts entire communities. Through the collaboration between teams and partner forces, we were able to identify those responsible, dismantle the line and bring those involved before the courts.

"We remain committed to tackling county drugs lines and would encourage anyone with concerns about drug dealing in their community to report it to us."

The group were sentenced as follows:

- Appearing at Guildford Crown Court on 3 June, Kenan Mitchell, 28 (DOB: 27/10/1997) from Kent was sentenced to six years and nine months' imprisonment.

- Bridget Doherty, 24 (DOB:21/05/2002) from Essex received a 16 month suspended sentence over 24 months.

- Jaipaul Johnson, 20 (DOB: 16/11/2005) from Crawley was sentenced to seven years and two months' imprisonment.

- Amish Patel, 43 (DOB: 29/07/1982) from Crawley was sentenced to two years and six months' imprisonment.