A drug dealer who helped orchestrate a cocaine supply network into Tunbridge Wells has been jailed for almost five years.

Sergjo Rica was part of an organised criminal gang which arranged delivery of drugs into the town through dedicated ‘customer’ phone lines.

Rica played a key role in the operation, being responsible for directing multiple drug runners to users’ homes between May 2019 and June 2020.

He was initially arrested on May 2, 2019 ,while driving a VW Passat which was stopped by officers in Mountfield Gardens, Tunbridge Wells.

The car contained cocaine, as well as other suspects and Rica was later bailed as detectives sought to pin down the gang’s movements and uncover more details of their supply chain.

The investigation led to the seizure of two mobile phones which were used to send postcode messages to runners working for the gang, and which contained evidence of hundreds of completed deals.

They were linked to Rica after enquires showed he had used them to call insurance, gas and electricity companies, and had conversations in which he had confirmed his name and address.

On June 3, 2020, he was arrested again at a location in Leicestershire, where police seized 12 bags of cocaine from a car as well as more than £1,500 in cash from the vehicle and Rica’s clothing. Forensic tests also matched his fingerprints to the deal bags.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Rica, aged 25 and formerly of Clay Avenue, Mitcham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, as well as two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was sentenced on Tuesday August 10, to four years and ten months’ imprisonment.

Previously, in May 2020, Bledar Rica, aged 28, of Clay Avenue, Mitcham and Liman Dernova, aged 23, of Tandridge Drive, Orpington were also jailed for their roles in the enterprise.

Bledar Rica was sentenced to five years and seven months’ imprisonment. Dernova was sentenced four years and one month. A further five men, identified as drug runners, have also been jailed.

Detective Constable Katy Saunders said: "Rica was instrumental in a criminal network designed to supply as much cocaine to as many users as possible. He occupied a leading role in the conspiracy by directing and organising the sale and supply of drugs on a significant scale.

"Our evidence showed he even arranged insurance for the vehicles that local drug runners drove.

"Drugs fuel crime and exploitation and this latest sentence should act as a reminder that we remain determined to pursue and bring to justice those intent on supplying and targeting our communities."

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