Cocaine supplies were discovered in the shoe of a South Cheshire drug dealer, who tried to convince police in Tunbridge Wells he was simply visiting the town for a holiday. 

Adrian Badea, 27, of Hankins Heys Lane, Buerton, claimed he made the 223-mile journey from his home to sightsee in towns across the South-east of England.

A police search soon revealed he was actually operating as a dealer for an organised crime group. 

Patrols from Kent Police officers approached Badea's vehicle on 23 March 2023, as it was parked at a local retail park.

Adrian Badea, of Hankins Heys Lane, Buerton, was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis, and driving without insurance (Google).

The black BMW had been linked to suspicious activity and Badea was in the driver seat.

After telling officers his plans for day trips and holidays to discover new towns and cities, suspicions were further raised when Badea let slip he had no accommodation and slept in his car.

Badea was detained for a search and six bags of cocaine were seized from his shoe. Cannabis and £130 in cash were also recovered.

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Badea was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis, and driving without insurance.

He pleaded guilty and on Tuesday 14 January was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to two years and four months' imprisonment. 

Sergeant Ed Kavanagh, of Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force, said: "It is 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.

Adrian Badea claimed he made the 223-mile journey from his home to sightsee in towns across the South-east of England (Kent Police).

"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.

"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."

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