A Ramsgate dad is one of six people jailed for their part in a multi-million pound drug supply group.
The Sussex Police Serious & Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the South-East Regional Crime Unit (SEROCU) disrupted the operation of the crime group which had national criminal connections including in London, Manchester, Bolton and Ramsgate, and are estimated to have distributed over 1.6 tonnes of illicit drugs around the country between 2024 and 2025 including:
- 1.6 tonnes cocaine
- 159kg cannabis
- 61kg heroin
- 58kg ketamine
The wholesale value of the supply is approximated at over £56 million.
Following the conclusion of the proceedings, it can now be confirmed that the joint investigation had already seen five members of the gang jailed in February this year and Ramsgate man Peter Kastercum, identified as a key player, sentenced on 7 September.
Peter Kastercum, 60, Ramsgate, was identified as playing a significant role within the drug supply operation which his son led. It was established that he was involved with the storage, supply and re-packaging of over 75kg from a flat in Ramsgate.
He was arrested on 27 January 2026 in St Leonards, charged and remanded into custody ahead of his trial.
Peter Kastercum was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to supply cocaine following a trial commencing on 6 July at Lewes Crown Court. He was sentenced to 11 years at Lewes Crown Court on 7 September.
His son Chay Kastercum, 40, St Leonards, was identified as being involved in the drug ring in August 2024.
Evidence of the group was obtained by Sussex Police and SEROCU on a mobile phone connected to the arrest of a man.
Chay Kastercum (pictured above) was identified as the lead figure managing a network of couriers and stash addresses in South-East England.
His arrest in July 2025 led to the execution of multiple warrants including at addresses in Bexhill, Hastings, Eastbourne, Ramsgate and London. During these warrants, over £212,000 cash was seized as well as quantities of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, cutting agents, imitation firearms, three rounds of live ammunitions and a number of other offensive weapons.
Crucially, mobile phones containing further evidence of the gang’s involvement in drug supply including incriminating images, videos, and conversations via message were also seized.
He was jailed for 16 years and six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ketamine. He was sentenced on 23 February 2026 at Lewes Crown Court.
The other convictions are for
- Ricky Allen, 34, Eastbourne, jailed for seven years at Lewes Crown Court on 23 February 2026.
- Kirsty Holman, 40, Bexhill, jailed for seven years on 23 February 2026 at Lewes Crown Court.
- Emma Billam, 42, Battle, jailed for four years and two months on 24 February 2026 at Lewes Crown Court.
- Lee Baden, 42, St Leonards, jailed for five years and 10 months on 23 February 2026.
Superintendent Ed Faulkner said: “The magnitude of this operation disrupted by Sussex SOCU and SEROCU cannot be understated.
“I am pleased to see the court reflect this in the sentencing of these offenders.
“This is a prominent step towards disrupting and dismantling major drugs operations in Sussex and across the country.
“Illicit drugs cause immense harm to individuals and to communities.
“We encourage those who are users of illegal drugs to seek help in breaking the damaging cycle of drug use and addiction.
“Illegal drug supply is often linked to exploitation, violence and other crimes that significantly impact young people and vulnerable adults.
“Sussex Police’s priorities remain protecting communities and catching criminals, so our work disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups will continue.
“We will remain ferociously in pursuit of perpetrators and relentlessly endeavour to keep communities safe.”
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