Detectives have dismantled a significant cocaine distribution ring in Maidstone by arresting three men who operated a covert phone network known as the ‘Vito Line’ to manage drug transactions across the town.
On 2 May, plainclothes officers conducted a raid on suspects in Brunswick Street. During the operation, they seized four mobile phones and uncovered evidence linking nearly 100 cocaine deals to the ‘Vito Line’ network. Messages and photographs connected Vitlum Hasanaj directly to the network, showing him instructing two associates to supply drugs to a third individual.
Two weeks later, police stopped a vehicle on Hastings Road after identifying a known drug user. The driver, Gezim Dollapaj, was arrested carrying £293 in cash. His phone confirmed his role in delivering cocaine for the ‘Vito Line’ gang. Further investigation revealed that Kreshnik Hasanaj was also involved, as drug deal communications were traced to a number linked to his brother Vitlum.
On 30 June, officers arrested Vitlum Hasanaj upon his arrival at Stansted Airport. Shortly after, Kreshnik Hasanaj was apprehended nearby, with £1,230 cash seized from their car. Phones recovered from both men exposed their extensive cocaine operation supplying dealers throughout Maidstone.
The three men, all Albanian nationals, were charged and pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. Following an eight-day trial, they were found guilty. On 20 March 2026, the Hasanaj brothers received five-year prison sentences each, while Gezim Dollapaj was sentenced to three and a half years.
Detective Inspector Matt Lynch commented: “These two brothers ran a significant criminal enterprise, profiting from flooding Maidstone with cocaine. They thought they could stay hidden by using others, but they underestimated our officers’ determination. They brought misery to families across the town and must now face the consequences. Their prison sentences are fully deserved.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
