Home   Tunbridge Wells   News   Article

Drug dealer from Crewe found with cocaine in Fountains Retail Park, Tunbridge Wells, after claiming to be tourist

A dealer who pretended he was a tourist visiting a town when in fact he was part of a criminal gang supplying drugs has been jailed.

Adrian Badea claimed he had made the 223-mile journey from Crewe to Tunbridge Wells to “visit the city” when he was stopped by officers in the Fountains Retail Park.

Adrian Badea claimed he made the 223-mile journey from Crewe to Tunbridge Wells to see the sights. Picture: Kent Police
Adrian Badea claimed he made the 223-mile journey from Crewe to Tunbridge Wells to see the sights. Picture: Kent Police

Bodyworn footage shows the moment the 27-year-old admitted he was staying in his car and was in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Officers spoke to him on March 23 as he was sat in the driving seat of a black BMW, which was linked to suspicious activity.

They heard how Badea had plans for day trips and holidays to discover new towns and cities, but admitted he was without accommodation and was sleeping in his car.

After being detained for a search, six bags of cocaine were seized from his shoe along with cannabis and £130 in cash.

Badea, of Hankins Heys Lane in Crewe was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis and driving without insurance.

He pleaded guilty and at at Maidstone Crown Court.on January 14 was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Sergeant Ed Kavanagh said: “It’s always pleasing to hear from genuine tourists who are keen to visit and enjoy the many delights of Tunbridge Wells.

“Sadly, Badea wasn’t one of them. Checks to his phone showed he was being directed by a third party to multiple locations across west Kent to deal drugs.

“The device included postcode locations from users to have cocaine delivered to their doorsteps.

“This sentence is just the latest in several recent successful convictions of drug dealers who have tried to target Tunbridge Wells.

Adrian Badea, 27, of Hankins Heys Lane, Crewe was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and four month in prison. Picture: Kent Police
Adrian Badea, 27, of Hankins Heys Lane, Crewe was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and four month in prison. Picture: Kent Police

“It again illustrates just how effective our officers are in identifying offenders, many of whom are travelling from other areas of the country, and wrongly assuming we are a soft touch.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More